Access to IoT Technologies for Processing and Sharing Terrestrial Biodiversity Data for Sustainable Livelihoods among Rural Communities in Turkana County, Kenya

Jeremiah Osida Onunga; Anselemo Peters Ikoha; Peter Edome Akwee

Jeremiah Osida Onunga Department of Information Technology, Kibabii University, Kenya
Anselemo Peters Ikoha Department of Information Technology, Kibabii University, Kenya
Peter Edome Akwee Department of Biological and Physical Sciences, Turkana University College, Kenya

Abstract

Purpose – This study aimed to evaluate the access to IoT devices and technologies in Turkana County, Kenya, to enhance sustainable livelihoods.

Method – The study used theoretical research findings to connect IoT theory and practice, as well as biodiversity data for sustainable livelihoods. The mixed method was used, with a sample of 384 households. Data was collected through questionnaires, Focus Group Discussions, and Key Informant Interviews.

Results – The study found that rural communities in Turkana County primarily use mobile phones and radio for accessing terrestrial biodiversity data. The findings emphasized the need for initiatives allowing rural populations to fully utilize IoT technologies for processing and sharing terrestrial biodiversity data.

Conclusion – The study's knowledge contribution took the form of an enhanced Sustainable Livelihoods (SLF), where varied responses and systematic analysis made terrestrial biodiversity data access and use via IoT relevant for understanding the relationship between terrestrial biodiversity data and sustainable livelihoods.

Recommendations – The findings can be used to provide policy recommendations and suggestions for Kenya's future terrestrial biodiversity data plans, policies, and strategies.

Implications – As IoT technologies continue to advance, their potential for positively impacting biodiversity conservation and environmental management will only grow, ensuring a brighter future for our planet's ecological health.

Author Biographies

Jeremiah Osida Onunga, Department of Information Technology, Kibabii University, Kenya

Mr. Jeremiah Onunga is a Tutorial Fellow in the School of Science and Technology, Department of Renewable Energy and Technology at Turkana University College, Kenya. He is the Chairman Department of Renewable Energy and Technology in the School of Science and Technology. He holds a Master of Science in Information Technology (Software Systems) from Rongo University, Kenya. Mr. Onunga holds a postgraduate Diploma in Management of Electronic Information and Library Systems from the University of Antwerp, Belgium. He is currently undertaking a PhD in Information Technology at Kibabii University, Kenya, his studies at Kibabii University were buoyed by winning a Demand Driven Action Research grant for his thesis research from HoA-REC&N. His research interests focus on Cloud Computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), Biodiversity, Environmental Management, ICT and Society, eLearning, Library Systems, academia-industry collaboration, and global and international education using online platforms. Mr. Onunga has published majorly on ICT, Cloud Computing, IoT, Library Systems, Knowledge Management, ICT and Society, Online learning in Higher Education, and Community Social Economic and Health well-being, particularly from a development perspective. He is a member of the East Africa Quality Assurance Network (EAQAN), Computer Society of Kenya, ICT Authority, African Network for Internationalization of Education (ANIE), Kenya Universities Quality Assurance Network (KUQAN), and a fellow of the International Training Program (ITP).

Anselemo Peters Ikoha, Department of Information Technology, Kibabii University, Kenya

Anselemo Ikoha Peters is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Information Technology, at Kibabii University. He is the first supervisor for Mr. Jeremiah Onunga’s thesis research work.

Peter Edome Akwee, Department of Biological and Physical Sciences, Turkana University College, Kenya

Peter Edome Akwee is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Biological and Physical Sciences, Turkana University College. He is the second supervisor for Mr. Jeremiah Onunga’s thesis research work.