Livelihood changes enabled by mobile phones - the case of Tanzanian fishermen-

Mobile phones have had a tremendous diffusion rate in Africa in recent years, bringing access to telecommunication to new user groups, among them Tanzanian fishermen. This study sets out to find out how the use of mobile phone affects the way fishermen live their lives, how they pursue economic activities and how they protect themselves from vulnerability to risk. The research shows that increased access to information, enabled by mobile phones brings positive effects to all indicators. Mobile phone use empowers, both through increased bargaining power and increased control over external events. Mobile phones give increased knowledge about market opportunities and a possibility to work more efficiently. Furthermore, mobile phones give fishermen a possibility to take measures to decrease the risks they are exposed to, such as emergencies out at sea.

Access the full report by opening the following link Livelihood Changes Enabled by Mobile Phones.