| dc.description.abstract | The purpose of this study was to examine utilization of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) for management of Transboundary Animal Diseases (TADs). The study assessed factors which favor acceptance and ultimate utilization of ICTs by livestock keepers and community based stakeholders in Kenyan counties for management of TADs. The study was informed by the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and Diffusion of Innovation theory as guiding towards establishing the factors for acceptance and use of ICTs for management of TADs. A mixed-method approach was used to obtain data. Research techniques included document analysis, semi-structured interviews, and structured questionnaires. Livestock keepers and community based stakeholders (n=356), were interviewed across Uasin Gishu, Kajiado, Nandi and Trans-Nzoia counties. Qualitative data provided basis for investigating the role and type of communication methods used for management of TADs. Quantitative analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS). Descriptive statistics, correlations, tests of significance and regression were applied. The study investigated demographic factors based on their influence towards acceptance and utilization of ICTs for management of TADs. Of these factors, the study established that education level, occupation and social status had moderate influence towards acceptance and utilization of ICTs for management of TADs by livestock keepers. The Spearman’s correlation coefficient findings on this study established a positive correlation between ICT utilization and; access to information and technologies, communication methods, interconnection with social groups, contact with change agents, and training. A negative correlation was realized between cost of ICT services and ICT utilization. The study using inferential statistics analyzed six (6) independent variables, which explained 62.7% of utilization of ICTs in management of TADs. This was represented by the R2. The results implied that other factors not studied on this research would contribute 37.3% towards utilization of ICTs in management of TADs. The multiple regression findings established training as a highly rated factor to contribute towards acceptance and utilization of ICTs in management of TADs. However, communication methods were the least rated towards influencing utilization of ICTs in management of TADs. The study concluded that training and communication of technologies on management of TADs should not only target livestock keepers, but also public administrators, council of elders, politicians and religious leaders. The radio was the ICT highly utilized and preferred for management of TADs. The study concluded that education level attained, occupation and social status would to a moderate extent influence utilization of ICTs for management of TADs. However, gender and age were found to have limited influence towards utilization of ICTs. The use of radio, mobile telephone, CD Rom and television were the ICTs highly recommended as ideal to livestock keepers in management of TADs. This study recommends a change of attitude training to be delivered to livestock keepers on specifics of using ICTs for management of TADs. The study calls for finalization of Kenya ICT policy of 2006. Further research is recommended in establishing additional factors contributing towards utilization of ICTs in management of TADs. | en_US |
