Factors influencing the use of information and communication technologies in accessing livestock information: A Case of Kinondoni and Morogoro Urban Districts, Tanzania

Abstract

This paper presents findings of a study on the extent to which different Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are used by urban and peri-urban livestock keepers and factors that affect their use in accessing information on livestock. A mixed method approach was used to collect data for assessing the extent of using ICTs for livestock production and marketing in Kinondoni and Morogoro urban Districts. The findings revealed that most urban livestock keepers (94.1%) used different ICTs to access livestock information. Mobile phones were most frequently used (92.1%) compared to radio (21.7%), television (24.6%) and the internet (2.4%). Several . factors affected the use of ICTs in accessing livestock information, some of which are: limited awareness about relevant radio and television programmes on livestock keeping, high cost of communication using mobile phones and internet services, and computer illiteracy. The study concludes that urban livestock keepers use different ICTs, but there are many impeding factors limiting the potential of this technology for improving livestock production. The study recommends improving telecommunications services to facilitate better access to information using ICTs. Livestock keepers also need to be sensitized to use ICTs, which should also be integrated into extension services to improve access making it easier and cheaper to acquire information.