Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) and Livelihoods Enhancement in Agro-Pastoral Communities in Kenya

Abstract

Pastoralist communities in Africa occupy rangelands that are underdeveloped with harsh climate conditions worldwide. They live a nomadic lifestyle and derive their livelihoods from extensive livestock keeping. In Kenya pastoralists are faced with the same challenges but they are particularly vulnerable to poor infrastructures, draughts, perennial cattle rustling and isolation from access to social services. Information and Communication Technologies have the capacity to develop sustainable livelihoods of individuals' and communities. However, the major challenge is integrating ICT into the agricultural development of pastoralists whose lifestyle is nomadic. The purpose of this study was to look at the role of ICTs in enhancing the livelihoods of agro-pastoral communities in Kenya. The study employed the e-Resilience Framework. Purposive-sampling technique was adopted while qualitative data was collected using document analysis, interviews and reflective conversations methods. Primary data was collected from 10 keys from Pastoralists, Kenya Research and Communication Network, key stakeholders from the Ministry of Agriculture and Non-Governmental Organizations.  Qualitative methods were thematically analysed and for triangulation purposes. The findings established; that the pastoralists are able to market their products to other people in the country due to access to ICT. Secondly, that ICT has created employment opportunities for and amongst the pastoralist communities and that ICT access has made it easier for pastoralists to access innovations such as breeding of livestock. Therefore, the conclusion is that ICT has made it easier for agro-pastoralists to network with agricultural organizations for their own benefits. On the challenges the communities face when using ICTs, illiteracy was highly mentioned because according to the respondents' lack of proper education prevents them from accessing information which is important in agricultural practises.  Secondly, most pastoralists actually live in absolute poverty hence have no means of buying the best pesticides to fight diseases or market their farm produce. This has ultimately resulted to low education level or none at all thus exposing them to middlemen who take advantage of them. Finally, the respondents pointed out that access to government policies or lack of awareness is a challenge because of isolation and marginalization when it comes to livestock rearing. The study recommends that development of key ICT infrastructures, skills to use the technology and affordability of the same should be considered by counties inhabited by pastoralists in order to improve their livelihoods which are dependent on agriculture.