Conference Presentations by LORRAINE ZELDA
IST AFRICA, 2021
The introduction of mobile phone technology seems to have brought many benefits to many farmers, ... more The introduction of mobile phone technology seems to have brought many benefits to many farmers, especially in developing countries, as it provides access relevant and reliable agricultural information to make more effective farming decisions. Many rural farmers face information asymmetry problems, which seem to emanate from pitfalls in the agriculture or farming extension services that could be solved through the use of mobile devices and technologies. To explore how farmers use mobile devices to access information to aid them in their agricultural practices, this study explored farmers use of mobile devices in the rural arears in Namibia, specifically, the Uukwiyu Uushona community in the Oshana Region for farming purposes. Applying a quantitative research method, data was collected from 140 participants using questionnaire. Thematic analyses to unearth trends were undertaken. The results show that farmers' use of mobile devices adds value and economic benefits to their practices. The study further found that farmers use mobile devices to get up to date information on input and output market transactions, weather information, and banking services. Based on the findings that some of the information on mobile phones are complex and hence difficult to comprehend, it is recommended that mobile agricultural information service providers team up with information systems experts to develop mobile applications or USSD applications that provide agriculture information in its simplest and comprehensive form so as for most farmers if not all, with all kinds of mobile devices will to be able to access agriculture information. Having some of the mobile agricultural information in native or local languages will be helpful especially for the illiterate group of farmers. Considering that only scanty literature similar studies especially in rural Namibia exist, this study contributed to the body of knowledge of mobile device use by farmers in rural areas.
IST-Africa 2021 Conference, 2021
In many developing countries, rural, remote and nomadic regions seem to be off the national grid ... more In many developing countries, rural, remote and nomadic regions seem to be off the national grid power infrastructure leading to power scarcity, which could affect the presence and user experience of electronic devices such as radio and mobile phones. Considering the above, this study examined the presence of mobile phones in a rural community and the effect of electricity scarcity in the village on mobile phone user experience. A qualitative methodology was adopted. The context was purposefully selected to include communities with scarce electricity supply. 10 participants were purposively and conveniently sampled from the village and face to face interviews conducted to collect data. Based on the data analysis, the study found that mobile phones are present in electric scarce communities and that they are used for communication, socialization and businesses. People in electricity scarce communities' power their mobile phones through various means including power banks, solar panel systems, car batteries and generators. The effect of scarce electricity on mobile phone user experience include users missing calls and missed opportunities included job related ones. Considering the usefulness of mobile phones and power to keep it running, as found in this study, the intention of rural dwellers to own, power and use mobile phones is high and this conforms to the perceived usefulness, perceived benefit and perceived performance constructs of the extended Technological Acceptance Model in the Sub-Saharan African context. The sample size for this study was small and hence is recommended that future studies consider a larger population.
Papers by LORRAINE ZELDA
2021 IST-Africa Conference (IST-Africa), 2021
In many developing countries, rural, remote and nomadic regions seem to be off the national grid ... more In many developing countries, rural, remote and nomadic regions seem to be off the national grid power infrastructure leading to power scarcity, which could affect the presence and user experience of electronic devices such as radio and mobile phones. Considering the above, this study examined the presence of mobile phones in a rural community and the effect of electricity scarcity in the village on mobile phone user experience. A qualitative methodology was adopted. The context was purposefully selected to include communities with scarce electricity supply. 10 participants were purposively and conveniently sampled from the village and face to face interviews conducted to collect data. Based on the data analysis, the study found that mobile phones are present in electric scarce communities and that they are used for communication, socialization and businesses. People in electricity scarce communities’ power their mobile phones through various means including power banks, solar panel...
The introduction of mobile phone technology seems to have brought many benefits to many farmers, ... more The introduction of mobile phone technology seems to have brought many benefits to many farmers, especially in developing countries, as it provides access relevant and reliable agricultural information to make more effective farming decisions. Many rural farmers face information asymmetry problems, which seem to emanate from pitfalls in the agriculture or farming extension services that could be solved through the use of mobile devices and technologies. To explore how farmers use mobile devices to access information to aid them in their agricultural practices, this study explored farmers use of mobile devices in the rural arears in Namibia, specifically, the Uukwiyu Uushona community in the Oshana Region for farming purposes. Applying a quantitative research method, data was collected from 140 participants using questionnaire. Thematic analyses to unearth trends were undertaken. The results show that farmers’ use of mobile devices adds value and economic benefits to their practices....
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Conference Presentations by LORRAINE ZELDA
Papers by LORRAINE ZELDA