ICT Use and Livelihoods of Women Microenterprises in Malawi (2108.09807v1)

Abstract: This study aimed to assess the impacts of ICTs on livelihoods of women microenterprises in Malawi. The study was an interpretive qualitative approach in which semi-structured interviews, observation and field notes were used to collect data. About 25 women involved in various microenterprises in three rural areas of Karonga district in Malawi were purposively selected to participate in the study. The framework for the study was based on Serrat's sustainable livelihood approach. The study noted that the use of ICTs potentially enabled women microenterprises to build their financial, human, social, and informational capital assets. The study found that ICTs to some extent contributed to the livelihoods of women microenterprises such as improved access to information; diversification of business opportunities, improved communication, improved marketing, and reduced transport costs. As a result, this led to sustainable use of resources, improved well-being, and empowerment for women. However, unreliable electricity; lack of affordable ICT devices; lack of awareness to utilise ICTs in businesses and lack of ICT literacy skills were major concerns that affected women microenterprises. The study offers insights to research practioners, policy makers and other stakeholders on the role of ICTs in fostering women microentrepreneurship in rural communities of Malawi.