Abstract
This chapter seeks to assess the digital device adoption and use behavior among new entrants in the shea value chain. In northern Ghana, shea is a crucial resource for sustaining livelihoods and ensuring food security. The contribution of shea to the income and food security of collectors is reported to be about 21%, and this could be more for some livelihoods. New shea farming entrants refer to shea workers with 5 or fewer years of practice or experience in shea farming. Among the 540 respondents studied, there are more females (over 98%) as new entrants than males. From the device adoption perspective, about 88% own or have access to feature phones. Educated new shea farming entrants dominate those who own or have access to feature phones (89%). However, most of the new farmers do not own or have access to smartphones. Affordability remains the primary reason for the non-adoption, and digital skills literacy is a primary need for all new shea entrants. Improving access to affordable digital devices is a must. There is a need to train them to operate devices with minimal assistance and also to identify and use specific functions and applications which are beneficial to their shea activities. For the not-educated, basic skills training in writing, reading, and numeracy are needed to enhance their capacity to leverage digital devices and services.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Empowering Women in the Digital Economy |
Subtitle of host publication | A Quest for Meaningful Connectivity and Access in Developing Countries |
Publisher | Taylor and Francis |
Pages | 131-152 |
Number of pages | 22 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781000933345 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781032298504 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2023 |
Externally published | Yes |