Role of Information and Communication Technologies to Support Access to Information by Small Entrepreneurs in Buguruni Market, Tanzania.

Ntulo, Sayuni Harun (2023) Role of Information and Communication Technologies to Support Access to Information by Small Entrepreneurs in Buguruni Market, Tanzania. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) have assumed a critical role in facilitating socio-economic development in many countries. The contribution of ICT to small enterprise development has been recognized and many countries including Tanzania have made deliberate efforts in integrating ICT into small enterprise (SE) development agenda. The study sought to determine the role of information and communication technologies to support access to information by small entrepreneurs in Buguruni market, Tanzania. The study was conducted through a stratified sample of 100 respondents drawn from 500 SEs in Buguruni market. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to analyze data. Pretests were conducted to enhance the quality of instrument under study. The study revealed that most SEs used basic communication tools such as phone (85%), computer (6%) and social media (9%). Most Small enterprise operators perceived the cost of ICT to be very high, with a negative effect on usage. The study concluded that ICT has not been well embraced by SEs in Tanzania. The Government of Tanzania should develop an appropriate program to encourage ICT usage by SEs, eliminate all taxes on ICT, establish a special fund to support ICT usage; support training programs to develop the capacity of SEs to embrace ICT; invest in appropriate communication infrastructure for SEs, and the SE Federation should institute deliberate efforts to encourage SEs to invest in basic ICT tools to help improve their business and make them more competitive. Such efforts could include establishment of a special fund to fiancé ICT usage by small entrepreneurs. Keywords: Information and Communication Technologies, access to information, small entrepreneurs, market, Tanzania

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