Pastoralism and digital frugality: assessing the uses in pastoralist households in Senegal

Authors

    S. Ferrari, M. Moniot, B. Ba, A. Asseloka, M.L. Ndiaye, N. Paget, P. Bonnet, J.D. Cesaro

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.19182/remvt.37200

Keywords


Pastoralists, digital divide, information and communication technologies, information services, Senegal

Abstract

The development of digital tools among pastoralists in the South has been receiving increasing attention from development programs. Mobile telephony and internet have the potential to bring transformative changes to livestock systems, improving herd management, agricultural product marketing, and access to basic services. However, access to phones and internet varies greatly, which determines the relevance of digital technologies for pastoralism. Therefore, it is crucial to gain a better understanding of digital practices within pastoral farming operations. An investigation conducted in Senegal, involving 310 farms and 1250 individuals, reveals that digital usage is frugal, with mobile usage being predominantly offline and older devices being common. Skills and practices primarily revolve around verbal exchanges. Pastoralists recognize the value of phones in enhancing their knowledge of animal health, local services, and feeding techniques. Nevertheless, it is essential to consider the limitations of equipment and connectivity in order to develop appropriate solutions and promote effective and inclusive use of digital tools in the southern pastoral farming sector. Ultimately, the study encourages in-depth reflection on what digital inclusion can represent and on its impacts.

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Affiliations

  • S. Ferrari
    serena.ferrari@cirad.fr
    Cirad, UMR Selmet, Saint Louis, Sénégal ; SELMET, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAE, Institut Agro, Montpellier, France
  • M. Moniot
    Cirad, UMR Selmet, Saint Louis, Sénégal ; SELMET, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAE, Institut Agro, Montpellier, France
  • B. Ba
    ILRI, Dakar, Sénégal
  • A. Asseloka CEDEAO, Niamey, Niger
  • M.L. Ndiaye
    ISRA CRA, Saint-Louis, Sénégal
  • N. Paget
    CIRAD, UMR INNOVATION, Cotonou, Bénin ; INNOVATION, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAE, Institut Agro, Montpellier, France
  • P. Bonnet
    CIRAD, UMR SELMET, Montpellier, France ; SELMET, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAE, Institut Agro, Montpellier, France
  • J.D. Cesaro
    CIRAD, UMR SELMET, Montpellier, France ; SELMET, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAE, Institut Agro, Montpellier, France

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Un éleveur avec son téléphone GSM dans un marché à bétail au Sénégal. Crédits : T. Cytrynowicz 2023

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Received

2023-07-03

Accepted

2024-03-06

Published

2024-04-09

How to Cite

Ferrari, S., Moniot, M., Ba, B., Asseloka, A., Ndiaye, M. L., Paget, N., Bonnet, P. and Cesaro, J.-D. (2024) “Pastoralism and digital frugality: assessing the uses in pastoralist households in Senegal”, Revue d’élevage et de médecine vétérinaire des pays tropicaux. Montpellier, France, 77, pp. 1–9. doi: 10.19182/remvt.37200.

Issue

Vol. 77 (2024)

Section

Livestock farming systems and value chains

Categories

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© S.Ferrari et al., hosted by CIRAD 2023

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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