Abstract:
This article assesses the application of ICT tools in communicating
information and knowledge to artisanal fishermen communities in Zanzibar.
The study was carried out in four purposefully selected wards in Unguja
District in Zanzibar, Tanzania. The study involved a sample size of 80
respondents. Data were collected by using document reviews, questionnaires,
focus group discussions and personal observations. Results showed that
artisanal fishermen need information and knowledge on weather condition,
modern fish capturing methods, market and marketing, fish preservation and
processing. The study also found that mobile phones and radio are the most
ICTs tools used by the artisanal fishermen. The findings also revealed that
communicating information and knowledge through ICT tools was limited by
lack of funds, poor network connectivity, lack of training and seminars on the
use of ICTs in accessing information and poor coverage on radio and television
transmission. It is therefore recommended that the government should support
artisanal fishermen in acquiring some of the fishing gears and ICTs tools such
as GPS and sonar through subsidizing them.
