Browsing by Author "Mongi, Hector J"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Relevance of Information and Communication Technologies to public engagement for sustainable water resources in the Lake Lictoria Basin
    (The University of Dodoma, 2016) Mongi, Hector J
    This study explored the nexus of Information Communication Technology (ICT) tools, public engagement and sustainable water resources in the Lake Victoria Basin (LVB) as determinants of relevance. Two socio-technical theories, Technological Acceptance Model (TAM) and Relevance Theory (RT) were used in an encapsulation fashion. This approach is proposed to guide mixed methods research at the base of pyramid of a developing country. The study locations were Ilemela, Nyamagana and Kwimba districts of Mwanza region in the LVB. Data were collected using mixed methods including systematic literature review, survey, focus group discussions, key informant discussions and observations. Data were analysed using meta-analysis, descriptive analysis, correlation analysis as well as content analysis. Results from systematic literature review and meta-analysis validated the local criteria for ICT tools through comparison with those in use in the Southern Africa’s water bodies while also contributing to the multi-criteria measurement of relevance. Associations between ICT tools and public engagement as well as with sustainability indicators revealed some missing links. Results showed that where the mobile phone dominated other ICT tools, relevance was perceived high across activities. However, where there were other ICT tools which were dominant; relevance was perceived as medium to low. Despite better perceived link and therefore higher relevance between ICT tools and public engagement activities, bad was perceived between the latter and sustainability indicators. Barriers to such lower relevance in the whole continuum were attributed to low levels of infrastructural investment, low motivation, inadequate capacity of respondents, and some legal and regulatory issues pertaining to online engagement. The associations between ICT tools and public engagement activities on one hand and between public engagement and sustainability indicators of water resources on the other were used to develop the Simple Relevance Evaluation Logic Template (SRELT). The study concludes that although theory encapsulation could be a useful theoretical approach, it needs further testing in different settings to validate its wide application in information systems research. In relevance evaluation methodology, the study concludes that combining three different criteria improved the judgements on significance of the relationships. On criteria validation, the study concludes that identified criteria can be used in water basins across Southern Africa in research on relevance of ICT tools. On associations between tools and public engagement as well as between public engagement and sustainability indicator, the study concludes that the former are much stronger than the latter. There are barriers at each node that need to be addressed to improve the whole linkage. SRELT provides some preliminary guides about tools, activities and indicators of priority. The study provides specific recommendations to actors including community members, policy makers, practitioners and research scientists. Some of them include improving the ICT relevance through addressing the barriers, consider SRELT as potential start point for a relevance evaluation framework, and utilize the findings while also learning for improvement. SRELT is further proposed to (i) show the perceived linkages among the three factors amid existing barriers, and (ii) act as a tool for further research, innovation and development initiatives across actors in water resource management and sustainable development.