Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India

Reliability of ICT Tools adoption among mechanised and motorised fishermen in Kerala marine sector: A case study

 

Volume 58 Issue 2

M. Sabu and C. S. Shaijumon

10.6024/jmbai.2016.58.2.1929-16

Abstract

Marine fisheries sector plays a significant role in bringing socio-economic development and foreign earnings to the country. Use of new Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has been recognised as a symbol of productivity and welfare enhancement in the sector. It is universally accepted that the role of ICT brings changes to the socioeconomic conditions of poor people of the society. A systematic study of ICT tools such as GPS, Eco sounder, Mobile and Wireless set as a whole in Kerala marine fisheries sector among mechanised and motorised fishermen is very relevant at present. The main aim of the study is to test the reliability and validity of each ICT tools for understanding their usage benefits among mechanised and motorised fishing crafts. For this purpose, the study uses a combined model of Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and Cronbach alpha coefficient (C) models, called CUTAUT model. Primary data have been collected from Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, and Kozhikode coastal districts of Kerala with the help of multi-stage random sampling method. The result of the study shows that Cronbach alpha coefficient range from 0.721 to 0.800, which shows more reliability of usage of ICT tools for fishing and relative activities. UTAUT variables, such as performance level, efficiency level, social influence, and facilitating conditions show positive coefficient values for each ICT tools. The study reveals that adoption of ICT tools is influenced by UTAUT attributes, by which efficiency enhancement, more income, life security, and welfare of the fishermen is achieved in the Kerala marine sector.

 

Keywords

Mechanised and motorised fishermen, ICT, UTAUT model, Cronbach alpha coefficients

Date : 10-01-2017