Influence of Ict on Revenue Generation and Livelihoods

Abstract

Cooperative societies empower many communities globally, in Africa as well as in Kenya. Through increased revenue generation and good performance, cooperative societies contribute towards enhancing livelihood of their members thus making it more sustainable than would have been imagined. Development and performance of cooperative societies can be more enhanced through utilization of Information and Communication technologies (ICTs). As a result, the co-operatives can better support their members through availing funds to them, hence promoting their livelihood. The ICT in cooperative societies can be optimally used for improved service delivery. Cooperative society is primarily structured to meet the necessary common needs of its members to strengthen and enhance their living conditions within the framework of universally accepted cooperative membership principles. The primary objective of this study was to establish the effect of ICT on income generation and livelihoods of members of the SME-based cooperative societies in Kiambu County. The research study was guided by the objectives set out below; examining the extent to which the adopted ICT techniques by select Dairy Co-operative Societies influence access to resources and resource diversification and examining how the underutilization of accessible and reliable ICT platforms impact the livelihoods of individual members in the cooperative societies. Specifically, the study was informed by four theories: Sustainable Livelihood Model Theory, Cost of Capital theory, Reliability theory and Social Capital Theory. The literature was reviewed in the aspects of utilization of ICT by SME-instituted co-operative societies, their impact on members increase in revenue generation, improved livelihood, and performance of cooperative societies. The study used mixed method, quantitative and qualitative data. The sample was drawn from the staffs and selected farmers (members) of Dairy Co-Operative Society in Kiambu County. Purposive sampling technique was used to obtain a sample of SACCO members and SACCO staff targeted for this study. Data was analyzed using both quantitative techniques, Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. From study findings, it was concluded that ICT platforms adopted by Dairy co-operative SACCOS tend to influence revenue and earnings in terms of dividends and bonuses that ought to be earned by SACCO members. Keys recommendation is that for the management of dairy cooperatives to communicate the usefulness of ICT adoption and ease of use to its staff and members. This can play a big role in enhancing performance improvement.