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Computer Supported Livestock Systems: The Potential of Digital Platforms to Revitalize a Livestock System in Rural Zimbabwe

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Leon Tinashe GwakaAuthors Info & Claims

Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction, Volume 6, Issue CSCW2

Article No.: 360, Pages 1 - 28

https://doi.org/10.1145/3555085

Published: 11 November 2022 Publication History

Abstract

Livestock contribute to household food security, financial security, and societal status. However, most rural livestock systems are fragile characterized by poor infrastructure, information asymmetry, and dysfunctional markets. Literature suggests that digital platforms show promise to contribute towards addressing these challenges and yet, contrary evidence cautions against growing concerns like platform providers' power accumulation which can further marginalize users. I use evidence from the MOSMAC intervention in Beitbridge (Zimbabwe) to explore the potential of digital platforms to revitalise a livestock system. Findings suggest that digital platforms strengthen the livestock system through connecting system actors, improving coordination, and enabling transactions. However, these platforms are fraught with hidden complexities often invisible to users and can worsen prevailing conditions. I demonstrate data aggregation, power consolidation through product integration and power shifts which are often unknow to the users. These insights can inform design considerations and empower users to make informed decisions towards digital platforms

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Cited By

Koçyiğit AAbacı NDemiryürek KDemir H(2024)Ziraat Mühendisi Adaylarının Tarımda Dijitalleşmeye Yönelik Tutumlarının Belirlenmesi: Ondokuz Mayıs Üniversitesi ÖrneğiTarım Ekonomisi Araştırmaları Dergisi10.61513/tead.157331210:2(186-200)Online publication date: 29-Dec-2024
https://doi.org/10.61513/tead.1573312
Chiwaridzo OMusiiwa RHlasi T(2024)Digitizing Marketing in AgricultureSustainable Practices for Agriculture and Marketing Convergence10.4018/979-8-3693-2011-2.ch007(151-176)Online publication date: 26-Apr-2024
https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-2011-2.ch007
Lotriet H(2024)Community and Large-Scale Digital Transformation for Poverty Eradication and Economic Growth in Africa: A Rapid Review of Existing Research for the Period 2013–2023Implications of Information and Digital Technologies for Development10.1007/978-3-031-66986-6_3(31-45)Online publication date: 1-Aug-2024
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-66986-6_3

Index Terms

Computer Supported Livestock Systems: The Potential of Digital Platforms to Revitalize a Livestock System in Rural Zimbabwe
1. Human-centered computing
  1. Collaborative and social computing
    1. Collaborative and social computing devices

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cover image Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction

Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction Volume 6, Issue CSCW2

CSCW

November 2022

8205 pages

EISSN:2573-0142

DOI:10.1145/3571154

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Jeff Nichols
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Published: 11 November 2022

Published in PACMHCI Volume 6, Issue CSCW2

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Koçyiğit AAbacı NDemiryürek KDemir H(2024)Ziraat Mühendisi Adaylarının Tarımda Dijitalleşmeye Yönelik Tutumlarının Belirlenmesi: Ondokuz Mayıs Üniversitesi ÖrneğiTarım Ekonomisi Araştırmaları Dergisi10.61513/tead.157331210:2(186-200)Online publication date: 29-Dec-2024
https://doi.org/10.61513/tead.1573312
Chiwaridzo OMusiiwa RHlasi T(2024)Digitizing Marketing in AgricultureSustainable Practices for Agriculture and Marketing Convergence10.4018/979-8-3693-2011-2.ch007(151-176)Online publication date: 26-Apr-2024
https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-2011-2.ch007
Lotriet H(2024)Community and Large-Scale Digital Transformation for Poverty Eradication and Economic Growth in Africa: A Rapid Review of Existing Research for the Period 2013–2023Implications of Information and Digital Technologies for Development10.1007/978-3-031-66986-6_3(31-45)Online publication date: 1-Aug-2024
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-66986-6_3

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