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The purpose of this study was to assess Rural-ICT Service Providers (RISP) and agropastoralists
interface. Specifically, the study aimed to get a better understanding of
structures and processes at the interface and their implications for sustainable agropastoral
livelihoods. The study was undertaken in Morogoro and Mwanza Regions
where two districts with RISP were purposively chosen. The study adopted a
combination of cross-sectional and case study designs. Purposive and random sampling
techniques were employed to select the representative sample. Data collection methods
comprised of household surveys, FGDs, key informants’ interviews, and participant’s
observation. A total of 407 users of RISP among agro-pastoralists were directly
administered with questionnaires. In addition, six FGDs and five key informants’
interviews were conducted. The data were analysed using SPSS 16 computer software.
A Chi-squire was used to test for significance of data and One-Way ANOVA used to
analyse 5-points Likert-scale information. A quantile regression analysis was employed
to assess the determinants of sustainability of agro-pastoralists livelihoods.
The study findings show that there are government failures at the interface due to
structural weaknesses and conflicts in the implementation of policies and guidelines.
The structural weaknesses are on the management and administration of universal
access fund. The processes were relatively favourable for delivery of ICT services in
Sengerema District (with donor funded-SMCT) as compared to Kilosa District (with
private operator-KIRSEC). Agro-pastoralists in Sengerema District had relatively less
restrictive conditions to access and use ICT services as opposed to Kilosa District.
Social networks among agro-pastoralists facilitate the sharing of knowledge, skills,
information and experience. Participation, relevance of ICT services, social networks, a
public-private partnership and capacity building show positive contribution to
sustainability of agro-pastoralists livelihoods.
It is concluded that the findings underscored the importance of structures and processes
for sustainable agro-pastoral livelihoods. The structures in form of organisation of
activities, and the processes in the form of contractual arrangements play an important
role for effective access, use and delivery of ICT services in rural areas. The study
recommends that in order to ensure access, use and delivery of high quality and
effective ICT services in rural areas, the government should make sure that there are
clear mandates and responsibilities among actors to reduce structural weaknesses and
conflicts. The government should also provide incentives that encourage the RISP
operators to deliver ICT services in rural areas at affordable charges. Capacity building
on the use of ICT services, formation, organisation and management of agropastoralists’
groups should be part and parcel of the development, design and
implementation of ICT intervention packages. ICT policy interventions and
programmes should be strengthened and take into account local community
participation, strong public-private partnership, relevance of ICT services in the
production activities and promote social networks among agro-pastoralist to enhance
sharing of knowledge, information, skills and experiences. ICT content development
should take into account the relevance, demands and needs of the communities so that
these technologies are tailor made and are context specific. |
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