A comparative analysis factors affecting use of ICT supportive of resilience and sustainability in agri-food systems in Kenya

Intermediaries in the agricultural sector play an important role of providing linkages to the relevant value chain players. The linkages support productivity, resilience and sustainability in Agri-Food Systems. Data were collected from 295 three intermediary types in three counties with contrasting farming scales; Uasin Gishu (large scale), Tharaka Nithi (small scale) and Nairobi and Kiambu (intensive small scale) with the latter two being combined into one site due the similar farming characteristics. The use of ICTs had a positive effect on transaction costs where 29% affirmed that it provided easy access to information on production, marketing and eased interaction with producers and buyers. Three key challenges cited on the use of ICTs included that participation of some group members was reduced (91%), differential access to information (62%) and slow decision-making (33%). Binary logistic regression analysis indicated that an Odds Ratio (OR) of 33.62 indicates that the odds of Nairobi/Kiambu intermediaries using ICT was 33.62 times higher than the odds not using ICT for Uasin Gishu with a statistical significance of p=0.001. In conclusion, the study has revealed, the three intermediaries in Kenya use ICTs in delivery of their services even though this is variable between counties. One possible explanation is that connectivity and affordability in the three counties is variable. For increased use of ICTs use to be realized, there is need for incentives to be provided to the target receivers/users of extension services.