Abstract:
Urban and peri-urban livestock keepers need ICTs in order to access more information that can lead to improvement of the livestock husbandry practices. Despite the well developed ICT infrastructure in urban area, livestock keepers still lack sufficient information on good animal husbandry practices. This study investigates the extent of ICT use by urban and peri-urban livestock keepers and how access to livestock information can be improved through use of ICTs. Mixed method approach is the methodology used in this study whereby qualitative data is gathered using questionnaires while qualitative data is gathered using in – depth interviews and participant observations. Quantitative data is analysed by using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) and qualitative data is analysed by content analysis. The findings of this study reveal that most urban and peri-urban livestock keepers (94.1%) use ICTs to access livestock information. Additionally, different types of ICTs are used, though the use of mobile phones is more prominent than other ICTs such as radio, television and internet which are used to a lesser extent. It is concluded that ICTs are important tools for accessing livestock information but their use is hindered by several factors including high communication costs, lack of awareness of the radio/television programmes and poor computer skills. Policy implications of the study include improvement of the telecommunications services through relevant bodies in order to facilitate more access to information through use of ICTs. Improvement of the extension and veterinary services is also important to enable increased access to livestock information, for improvement of the livestock sector and economic development.
