Master of Science in Information Technology-MUC

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https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11951/1293

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Browsing Master of Science in Information Technology-MUC by Author "Rigan Mark Acheke"

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    Adoption of Mobile Phone Based Livestock Management Servicesfor Pastoral Use in Karamoja. A Case Study of the Pian and Matheniko Ethnic Group
    (Uganda Christian University, 2024-06-19) Rigan Mark Acheke
    In the semi-arid pastoral region of Karamoja in Uganda, foot and mouth disease, and tick infestations remain the leading course of livestock losses and lower milk yield. This costs the regional economy over USD 92 million each year. This study investigates the challenges of mobile phone-based livestock management services adoption, and also explores factors for the successful adoption of mobile phone-based livestock management services among pastoralists in the semi-arid region of Karamoja in Uganda. The research instruments used were FGD and interviews. A total of 11 extension workers were interviewed, and 29 pastoralists were convened in 2 FGD groups. The study found out a few mobile-based livestock management services such as EMA-i (Event Mobile Application) and Pictorial Event (PET) were deployed by the government to address the animal health challenge. However, the study reveals that there were a number of challenges encountered during the deployment such as, lack of awareness, high cost of mobile phones, language barrier, complex applications, and poor network signals among others. This paper, therefore, provides a Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model for the successful adoption of mobile phone-based livestock management services in Karamoja. It is hoped that this model may be of use to NGOs providing livelihood services to the pastoralists in Karamoja, the government and especially the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, policymakers and ICT implementers seeking to deploy mobile phone-based livestock management services among the pastoral communities in the semi-arid region of Karamoja.