Gender-age differences in the use of ICT platforms among potato farmers in Kenya

Wayagi, E.O.; Otieno, D.J.; Nyikal, R.A.; Okello, J.J.; Kawarazuka, Nozomi

Gender-age differences in the use of ICT platforms among potato farmers in Kenya

Autores

Editor

Informa UK Limited

Descripción

Agricultural digitization is an emerging trend with potential for rural economic transformation. However, the extant literature majorly focuses on gender differences in the uptake of information and communication technologies (ICT), neglecting generational perspectives. The study used a Probit model on 264 smallholder potato farmers to analyze the determinants of use of ICT platforms among older males, older females, male youth, and female youth; and the Heckpoisson model to assess the determinants of the intensity of use of ICT platforms between older and youthful farmers in Nakuru County, Kenya. Household income (16%), access to extension services (35%), and internet use (46%) among older males; household income (30%) and group membership (11%) among older females; household income (20%), group membership (26%), and internet use (73%) among male youth and; market distance (28%) and internet use (61%) among female youth, determined the use of ICT platforms. Additionally, potato output (3%) and internet use (63%) among youth farmers; and education level (68%) and market distance (11%) among older farmers, influenced the intensity of use if the platforms. Targeted policies should consider these differences to uniquely enhance the use of ICT platforms across gender-age groups in order to improve potato production and enhance farmers' livelihoods.