Original Research
Evaluating the influence of information and communications technology on food security
Submitted: 09 March 2016 | Published: 17 May 2017
About the author(s)
Ntabeni J. Jere, School of Management, IT and Governance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South AfricaManoj S. Maharaj, School of Management, IT and Governance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Abstract
Objectives: The study evaluates the influence of ICTs in improving food security in KwaZulu-Natal Province. A theoretical framework was developed as the lens through which diffusion and adoption of ICTs can be understood. The theorised model was developed using constructs from the diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory, technology acceptance model (TAM) and Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory.
Method: Survey data from 517 smallholder farmers from the district municipality of iLembe were collected using a questionnaire. A quantitative approach was followed, and the developed theorised model was analysed using structural equation modelling techniques.
Results: This study proposes that ICT influence on food security is associated with culture, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. The study further finds that perceived ease of use of ICTs has the most significant effect with regard to ICT adoption and diffusion amongst smallholder farmers in iLembe district municipality. There are, however, no associations found with perceived attributes of innovation and the nature of social systems. The study consisted of a largely homogeneous social system; therefore, the researcher could not make any comparisons.
Conclusion: The proposed framework for evaluating the influence of ICTs on food security put forward in this study highlights a number of issues. Firstly, there is need for further study to be conducted to understand adoption of ICTs specifically for food security. This would help in creating more accurate adoption strategies. Secondly, the study informs ICT innovation developers on the need to prioritise ease of use of ICT-based interventions when developing innovations that focus on smallholder farmers. The study also contributes to policy guidelines and suggests clear guidelines be developed to address cultural aspects such as gender imbalances.
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Crossref Citations
1. Stakeholder perspectives for information and communication technologies (ICTs) for sustainable food systems in South Africa: challenges, opportunities and a proposed ICT framework
Robert Massimo Alfonsi, Merle Naidoo, Alexandros Gasparatos
Environment, Development and Sustainability year: 2024
doi: 10.1007/s10668-024-04838-5