Digital connectivity at the upstream end of value chains: A dynamic perspective on smartphone adoption amongst horticultural smallholders in Kenya

2020 ◽  
pp. 102452942091448 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gideon Hartmann ◽  
Gilbert Nduru ◽  
Peter Dannenberg
Keyword(s):  
Value Chain ◽  
Value Chains ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Value Appropriation ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Export Production ◽  
Domestic Markets ◽  
Dynamic Perspective ◽  
Changing Practices

Driven by the rapid adoption of Internet-based technologies amongst producers in the Global South, the question of how and whether global value chain arrangements are reconfigured remains open to debate. This article addresses the changing practices of export-oriented smallholders accompanying the transition from simple phone towards smartphone use. Our dynamic approach compares cross-sectional survey data from 2013 and 2017 to answer to what extent Kenyan smallholders have adopted the Internet, which digital practices in relation to agricultural value chains they use and how this affects the inter-firm coordination between smallholders and subsequent actors. Smartphones have gained broad importance for smallholders as they are used for digital practices in value chains. Contrary to the debated dark sides of Internet connectivity, we can however not confirm sweeping digital control or value appropriation by lead firms. So far, long-established, analogue practices widely persist in arrangements between smallholders and exporters. Nevertheless, smartphones are used to nurture multilateral knowledge networks of unprecedented reach and size and further allow for incipient experiments with marketing strategies on digital marketing platforms devoted to domestic markets. We argue that these practices resemble strategic niche seeking that has to be interpreted in relation to captive export arrangements. With qualitatively and quantitatively increasing options to access and share knowledge and to market commodities, the Internet can serve to navigate the multiplicity of chain alternatives (domestic production, informal export production). Such niches should be considered as creating leverage against the take it or leave it deal of captive export production.

Internet Cigarette and Tobacco Business (ICTB) Database for Domestic Markets in Thailand

2015 ◽  
Vol 781 ◽  
pp. 133-136
Author(s):  
Pichitpong Soontornpipit ◽  
Chukiat Viwatwongkasam ◽  
Pratana Satitvipawee ◽  
Pattarakun Pramnoi ◽  
Adrian Wattananupong
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Online Shopping ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Tobacco Products ◽  
Domestic Markets ◽  
Payment Methods

This research presents a cross-sectional survey for monitoring and analysis of illegal sales of cigarettes or tobacco products on the internet in Thailand from June 2010 to June 2014. The websites are collected monthly and classified into four categories: blog, webboard, social network and online shopping. First the data was gathered by using manpower and later by an algorithm program. Each data category is separately analyzed and carried out to gather information from the details of tobacco products and websites such as product types, brands, prices, promotions, and payment methods. The databases are later submitted to three regulators, Thai Hotline, Royal Thai Police, and ICT, to close the websites and arrest distributors.

A cross-sectional survey among physicians on Internet use for epilepsy-related information (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Brigo ◽  
Simona Lattanzi ◽  
Giorgia Giussani ◽  
Laura Tassi ◽  
Nicola Pietrafusa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Internet Use ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
Therapeutic Decisions ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Web

BACKGROUND The Internet has become one of the most important sources of health information, accessed daily by an ever-growing number of both patients and physicians, seeking medical advice and clinical guidance. A deeper insight into the current use of the Web as source of information on epilepsy would help in clarifying the individual attitude towards this medium by Internet users. OBJECTIVE We investigated views towards the Internet in a sample of Italian healthcare specialists involved in epilepsy field, to explore factors which explained the influence of information found on the internet. METHODS This study was a self-administered survey conducted in a group of members of the Italian Chapter of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) in January 2018. RESULTS 184 questionnaires were analyzed. 97.8% of responders reported to seek online information on epilepsy. The Internet was most frequently searched to obtain new information (69.9%) or to confirm a diagnostic or therapeutic decision (37.3%). The influence of consulting the Internet on clinical practice was associated with registration to social network(s) (OR: 2.94; 95%CI: 1.28-6.76; p=0.011), higher frequency of Internet use (OR: 3.66; 95%CI: 1.56-9.21; p=0.006) and higher confidence in reliability of online information (OR: 2.61; 95%CI: 1.09-6.26; p=0.031). No association was found with age, sex, years in epilepsy practice or easiness to find online information. CONCLUSIONS Internet is frequently used among healthcare professionals involved in the epilepsy to obtain information about this disease. The attitude of being influenced by the Internet for diagnostic and/or therapeutic decisions in epilepsy is independent on age and years of experience in epilepsy, and probably reflects an individual approach towards the Web.

scholarly journals A cross sectional survey of internet use among a highly socially disadvantaged population of tobacco smokers

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sam McCrabb ◽  
Laura Twyman ◽  
Kerrin Palazzi ◽  
Ashleigh Guillaumier ◽  
Christine Paul ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Internet Access ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Disadvantaged Population ◽  
Socially Disadvantaged ◽  
Frequent Use ◽  
Device Use

Abstract Background Tobacco smoking is highest among population groups which are the most socially disadvantaged. Internet-based smoking cessation programs have been found to be effective, though rates of internet access are not well known in these groups. This study describes the rates of internet use and types of technology used to access the internet by a population of socially disadvantaged smokers. The study also examined relationships between sociodemographic and smoking behaviours with amount of internet use and type of device used. Methods A cross-sectional survey of 369 clients (response rate 77%) from two non-government community service organisations in metropolitan New South Wales, Australia was conducted using touchscreen computers. Descriptive statistics and logistic regressions were used to examine results. Results Eligible participants ranged from 19 to 88 years old current tobacco users. Over half (58%) of the participants reported weekly or more frequent use of the internet with less than a third (28%) not having any access. The odds of using the internet at least weekly decreased with age and as heaviness of smoking increased (OR = 0.94, p < 0.001; OR = 0.81, p = 0.022, respectively). Odds of internet use were higher as income increased (OR = 2.74, p < 0.001 for individuals earning $201–$400 per week; OR = 2.83, p = 0.006 for individuals earning > $400 per week). Device use differed for age and income. Conclusions Internet-based interventions appear to reach the majority of socially disadvantaged populations. It is expected that this reach will continue to grow, making internet-based interventions a potential platform for providing care to low socioeconomic individuals who smoke, however inequalities may be exacerbated for those individual without internet access. Implications Internet use among socially disadvantaged tobacco users is moderate (58%). An internet-based smoking cessation intervention for socially disadvantaged tobacco users may be an effective intervention however, older, heavier tobacco users may not benefit as easily due to limited internet access and therefore acknowledging these limitations when developing an intervention can help to acknowledge limitation of intervention reach.

scholarly journals Governance structures in smallholder pig value chains in Uganda: constraints and opportunities for upgrading

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 307-319 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Ouma ◽  
Justus Ochieng ◽  
Michel Dione ◽  
Danilo Pezo
Keyword(s):  
Value Chain ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Institutional Economics ◽  
Multinomial Logit Model ◽  
New Institutional Economics ◽  
Information Value ◽  
Value Chains ◽  
Governance Structures ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Contractual Arrangements

This paper analyses governance structures in Uganda’s smallholder pig value chains by applying the New Institutional Economics framework. It utilises cross sectional and qualitative survey data from randomly selected pig value chain actors in 4 districts. A multinomial logit model is applied to assess the determinants of vertical integration among pig traders. The findings indicate that most relationships at the pig production node of the value chain are based on spot market governance structures supported by personal relationships and trust. Live pig traders are mostly vertically integrated. High integration levels of the pig traders are positively influenced by access to market information, value of investments in the value chain, and dedicated asset specificity in terms of backyard slaughter premises. Upgrading opportunities in the value chain in the form of value addition strategies, policy implementation and promotion of business models that link producer organisations to quality inputs and service suppliers through contractual arrangements are identified.

scholarly journals Internet-Based Sex-Seeking Behavior Promotes HIV Infection Risk: A 6-Year Serial Cross-Sectional Survey to MSM in Shenyang, China

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shi Pan ◽  
Jun-Jie Xu ◽  
Xiao-Xu Han ◽  
Jing Zhang ◽  
Qing-Hai Hu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Hiv Prevalence ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Transmitted Drug Resistance ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
Sex With Men

HIV prevalence is still rapidly increasing among Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM). The Internet also makes it easier for MSM to have casual partners. This study aims to evaluate the trend of Internet-based sex-seeking behavior of MSM and its impact on HIV prevalence, the distribution of HIV subtype strains, and transmitted drug resistance rates. A serial cross-sectional study was conducted from 2009 to 2014. Of the 1,981 MSM, 50.5% (1,000/1,981) mainly sought homosexual partners through the Internet (Internet-based MSM, IBM). The proportion of IBM among total MSM subjects increased from 43.3% to 61.5% (p<0.001). HIV prevalence of IBM increased from 5.7% to 20.7%, while that of non-Internet-based MSM (NIBM) increased from 7.0% to 14.7%. A relative higher proportion of NIBM were infected with HIV CRF01_AE subtype than IBM (79.5% versus 72.2%, p=0.52). Multivariable analysis found IBM had a significantly higher HIV prevalence than NIBM (13.2% versus 10.5%, aOR = 1.4, 95% CI [1.0–1.9]). Being a migrant non-Shenyang resident MSM (aOR = 1.9, 95% CI [1.3–2.9]) and occasionally/never using condoms with casual homosexual partners (aOR = 1.7, 95% CI [1.1–2.6]) were two distinct risk factors for HIV infection in IBM. More efforts should be targeted towards developing interventions aimed at IBM, particularly migrant MSM and who engage in UAI with casual homosexual partners.

scholarly journals Factors Related to the Behavior of People Who Have Never Used the Internet for Voluntary Reasons: Cross-Sectional Survey Study

10.2196/20453 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (11) ◽  
pp. e20453
Author(s):  
Keeho Park
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Education Level ◽  
Information And Communications Technology ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Predicting Factors ◽  
Social Capitals

Background If there are people who do not want to use the internet despite having the circumstances and conditions for using it, another policy consideration will be needed. Objective The purpose of this study was to explore the factors related to the behavior of people who do not voluntarily use the internet. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2018. It used a proportional quota random sampling design to select a representative sample of Koreans. Accordingly, 6150 participants were included in the study. Multiple logistic regression methods were used to explore the predicting factors of the act of voluntarily not using the internet. Results Age, education level, bonding and bridging social capitals, and daily life satisfaction for health status were found to be factors related to the behavior of not voluntarily using the internet. However, gender, household income, occupation, family size, and community type were not related to voluntary nonuse of the internet. Conclusions It was found that sociodemographic factors, such as age and education level, which are difficult to modify, along with psychosocial factors located deeper than the visible living conditions, such as social capital and life satisfaction, are involved in voluntary internet nonuse. These results also suggest that it is not desirable to proceed with policies related to information and communications technology on a separate track, but rather that they should be comprehensively approached with other social policies that design various social interventions in order to enhance equity within the society.

scholarly journals Role of networking capability, socio-economic and institutional characteristics on adoption tendencies of clean seed potato agri-enterprises in central Rift Valley, Kenya

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (s1) ◽  
pp. 131-144
Author(s):  
M.J. Ong’ayo ◽  
E.O. Gido ◽  
O.I. Ayuya ◽  
M. Mwangi ◽  
A.M. Kibe
Keyword(s):  
Seed Potato ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Rift Valley ◽  
Certified Seed ◽  
Solanum Tuberosum L ◽  
Household Head ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Clean Seed

Even though quality of seed is a major yield determinant in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production and global food security, inadequate availability of and access to high quality (certified) seed is a major challenge to potato producers in Sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this study was to examine farmer’s adoption tendency towards decentralised clean seed potato multiplication agri-enterprise (CSPMAE) in Central Rift Valley, Kenya, which aids in implementation of stage matched entrepreneurial interventions. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire on 54 seed potato producers and 192 non-seed potato producers, through multistage sampling. Ordered logistic regression analysis, based on the trans-theoretical model, revealed that household head, partner knowledge, gender, land size allocated for potato production, level of education, ownership of transport and/or storage facilities, frequency of interaction with certified seed potato producers and agricultural extension officers influenced adoption tendencies of CSPMAE, positively and significantly. Seed potato value chain stakeholder platforms, development workers and donors should prioritise their support for clean seed agri-enterprises to farmers with such traits. This is likely to lead to increased supply of access to clean seed, thereby improving potato yields in Kenya.

scholarly journals Habits and Attitudes of Video Gaming and Information Technology Use in People with Schizophrenia: Cross-Sectional Survey (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
William TH Choi ◽  
Dan KS Yu ◽  
Terry Wong ◽  
Tella Lantta ◽  
Min Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Video Games ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Video Gaming ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based

BACKGROUND Information technology and video gaming have potential advantages in the treatment of schizophrenia. However, information regarding the habits and attitudes related to internet use and video gaming in people with schizophrenia is limited. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore the habits and attitudes regarding video gaming and information technology usage and their associated factors in people with schizophrenia in Hong Kong. METHODS In this cross-sectional survey, service users with schizophrenia were recruited from 6 halfway hostels and 7 integrated centers for mental wellness in Hong Kong. A 79-item self-report questionnaire was utilized to explore the habits of internet use and video gaming in these people with schizophrenia. The attitude toward video gaming was assessed using the Gaming Attitudes, Motivations, and Experiences Scales. Of the 148 individuals in a convenience sample who were invited to participate in this study, 110 willingly participated (a response rate of 74.3%). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, a two-tailed independent t test, Pearson correlation, and principal analysis with 3 methods of rotation (varimax, equimax, and promax). RESULTS Most participants (100/110, 90.9%) had access to the internet and half of them (54/110, 49.1%) used the internet daily mostly to watch videos (66/110, 60.0%) or read news or books, etc (42/110, 38.2%). One-third of the participants (36/110, 32.7%) used the internet to play web-based games, and most of them (88/110, 80.0%) had played a video game in the past year. The most favorable gaming platforms were cellular phones (43/88, 49%) followed by computers (19/88, 22%) and arcade cabinets (6/88, 7%). The most favorable game genre was action games (34/145, 23.4%). Those who had a bachelor’s degree or higher scored lower in social interaction than those with a lower education level (<i>P</i>=.03). Those who played video games daily scored higher in the category of story than those who did not play daily (t<sub>86</sub>=2.03, <i>P</i>=.05). The most popular gaming category was autonomy and the least popular categories were violent catharsis and violent reward. Two motives, “social playing” and “evasive playing,” were formed to describe the characteristics of playing video games. CONCLUSIONS Our data showed a high internet utilization rate among people with schizophrenia in Hong Kong. Only a few of them used the internet to search for health-related information. Our study also exemplified the unique habits of gaming among the participants. Health care professionals could utilize video games to engage people with schizophrenia and promote coping with stress and provide social skills training to such people with schizophrenia. Identification of the gaming attitudes can contribute to the development of serious games for the schizophrenic population. Further investigation is vital for the promotion of mental health through web-based platforms.

Assessing Gender Roles in Dagaa Fishery Value Chain among Fishing Communities on Lake Victoria, A Case Study of Lake Victoria Beaches In Siaya County, Kenya

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 13-32
Author(s):  
Albert Ogoma Odhone ◽  
Ishmail Mahiri ◽  
Francis Onsongo
Keyword(s):  
Gender Roles ◽  
Interest Rates ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Lake Victoria ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Fishing Communities ◽  
Value Chains ◽  
Chain Model ◽  
Cross Sectional

Fisheries in the East Africa region have suffered due to less emphasis given to some fishery specifically Dagaa (Rastrineobolaargentea), whose quantity is the highest of all the species in the Lake Victoria. Despite the importance of this resource in Kenya, there has been a concern of gender parity and inequality in terms of roles played by both gender in harvesting, processing, trading and marketing in the Dagaa fishery. This study analyzed gender roles in Dagaa Fishery Value Chain among fishing communities around Lake Victoria in Bondo Sub County, in Siaya County, Kenya. The study addressed the following objectives: Identified the various roles of men and women in Dagaa Fishery Value Chain, discussed factors influencing gender roles in Dagaa Fishery Value Chain, analyzed the barriers to women’s participation in certain Dagaa Fishery Value Chain and examined the strategies to overcome challenges in gender roles in Dagaa fishery value chain in Bondo Sub-County, Siaya County. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design. This study was guided by two models; gender analysis framework model that was developed by Sarah Longwe and supply chain model. Purposive sampling technique was used to select Bondo Sub-County and fishing community in Bondo Sub-County; random sampling technique was used to select five (5) fish landing sites/beaches where quantitative data were collected from 186 out of the targeted 188 primary respondents, from among the forty-four beaches of Lake Victoria in Bondo Sub-County. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS Version 25, and descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were used in presenting analyzed data. The results were presented using tables and charts. The study findings revealed that majority of the boats and fishing gears were owned by men, motorized boats belonged to men while a higher percentage of females still had the paddled boats. While men dominated the fishing of Dagaa, women dominated processing and trading of Dagaa in the beaches. The study noted that men made higher returns than their female counterparts at all levels of Dagaa fishery value chain. The study concluded that there is a still wide disparity among gender roles in Dagaa fishery value chain. Most of the activities in the value chain are still dominated by men. This study recommends that women be encouraged to take part in Dagaa fishery value chains, empowerment of women to take part in transportation and distribution of Dagaa and application of various strategies such as joining SACCOs to access loans at low interest rates, formation of groups for ease of access to credit services and weakening patriarchy to mitigate factors affecting Gender roles in Dagaa fishery value chains.

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