ICT Adoption and Performance of Tea Farmers Payment by Co-Operative Societies in Kericho County, Kenya

Abstract

Purpose: The study seeks to establish Information and Communication Technology adoption and performance of tea farmer’s payment by Co-operative Societies in Kericho County that are privately owned with reference to Kericho County. Methodology: The study used quantitative and qualitative methodology to collect data, analyze and report findings regards to effect of Information and Communication Technology adoption and performance of farmer’s payment Cooperatives in Kericho County, Kenya. The study tested Technology of Diffusion Theory that goes hand in hand with Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to justify adoption of ICT has a significant impact to performance of farmers payment Cooperatives in Kericho County, Kenya.  The study classified the target population into strata that is groups of 6 based on the villages with farmers that supply tea to 5 private owned tea factories in Kericho County. The total population used in this study was 828 farmers from 5 tea factories in Kericho County. A structured questionnaire was administered to 263 tea farmers who were divided based on 6 villages to collect primary data. Findings: The study findings indicated that mobile wallet, mobile banking security, quality content service provided by the mobile financial service providers and access to account information contribute positively to payment performance of privately owned tea cooperatives. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This study recommends utilization of mobile wallet, mobile banking security, quality content service provided by the mobile financial service providers and access to account information to enhance performance of tea farmer’s payment by Co-operatives. This theory may be used by different Cooperatives regarding the utilization of the digital platform and how it can contribute to the maximization of profits in the organizations. It will facilitate individual researchers and scholars to identify gaps in the current research and carry out research in those areas, the work will also be used by academicians who will want to study similar area. Policy makers in the government and Cooperatives may use TAM theory to gain understanding on the effects of adoption of Information and Communication Technology has on performance of farmers payment Cooperatives. This remains instrumental in identifying areas that need reforms and in the making of policies that are favorable in the investment of ICT infrastructure in the country.