Information And Communication Technologies Service Providers And Agro-Pastoral System Interface: Implications For Sustainable Agro-Pastoral Livelihoods In Rural Tanzania

ABSTRACT

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.