African Poultry Science (Agri/Animal Science) | 12 October 2000
Digital Literacy Programmes among Adolescent Farmers in Kenya's Coast Province: Harnessing Information Technology for Agricultural Advancement
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Abstract
Adolescent farmers in Kenya's Coast Province face challenges accessing and utilising information technology (IT) for agricultural advancement. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including surveys, focus groups, and interviews with participants aged 15-18 years. Data were analysed using thematic analysis for qualitative insights and descriptive statistics for quantitative data. Among the 200 adolescent farmers surveyed, 75% reported improved access to IT resources post-programme participation, particularly in accessing agricultural advisories through mobile applications (\(M = 64\)%, \(SD = 12\)%). Digital literacy programmes significantly enhanced adolescents' ability to use IT for agricultural purposes, with notable improvements in crop management and livestock health monitoring. Schools should integrate digital literacy into curricula, and policymakers could provide subsidies for mobile phone usage to support broader adoption of IT tools among rural youth. Adolescent Farmers, Digital Literacy, Information Technology, Agricultural Advancement, Kenya