http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/13 Tue, 26 May 2026 06:05:59 GMT 2026-05-26T06:05:59Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/12163 User Centric Model for Development of Mobile Applications for Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises: A case of Kampala, Uganda Wauyo, Fred; Ogalo, James Ochieng; Mukisa, Muhambe T. Mobile technology presents significant opportunities for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to enhance operational efficiency, expand market reach, and improve customer engagement. However, many MSMEs, particularly in developing regions such as Uganda, face significant challenges in designing, developing, and implementing mobile applications that reflect real user needs and business realities. This study sought to create a model for guiding user centric development of mobile applications for MSMEs in the context of Uganda. Proposed model constructs were identified through an extensive review of literature covering technology adoption, software development models, and mobile application development in developing countries, focusing on successes, failures, and challenges. In addition, a qualitative exploratory study (n=30) aided in confirmation of the constructs identified from literature, as well as adding new constructs. A total of nineteen constructs were identified and categorized into four phases of mobile application development: conceptualization, design, development, and implementation. The model was formulated and validated statistically, guided by the Partial Least Squares Structured Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The outcome showed that twelve factors significantly influenced the user centric conceptualization, design, development, and implementation of mobile applications in MSMEs. The factors include: Conceptualization (Stakeholder input, functional features), Design (Task-Fit, Interface Consistency, Compliance and Design Flexibility), Development (Quality Assurance, Intuitiveness, Cross-Platform capability and User feedback), and implementation (User Training and Updates) Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/12163 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/12162 Exploring User-Centric Factors in the Development of Mobile Applications for Medium, Small, and Micro Enterprises Wauyo, Fred; Mukisa, Muhambe T.; Ogalo, James Ochieng In today’s fast-evolving digital landscape, mobile applications have become essential tools for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), particularly in rapidly growing urban. These mobile applications facilitate critical business operations, including customer engagement, inventory management, marketing, and overall service delivery. However, a significant number of mobile solutions deployed in MSME sector fail to meet user expectations due to minimal end-user involvement in the design and development processes. This study explores the user centric factors that influence the development, usability, and adoption of mobile applications among MSMEs. It highlights the pressing need for a user centred design approach that aligns mobile solutions with the unique operational realities of MSMEs. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study combines a systematic review of scholarly literature with empirical findings gathered from a qualitative study conducted in a related City of Jinja. In Uganda Data was collected through surveys, interviews, and observation targeting MSME owners, employees, and key stakeholders in mobile application development. Findings reveal that critical user centric factors, such as active user participation during mobile application development, cultural and contextual relevance, intuitive usability, affordability, and access to technical support, play a pivotal role in determining the success in design, development, usability and adoption of mobile applications in the MSME sector. Ultimately, this study contributes to ongoing efforts aimed improving on methodologies and strategies utilized in developing user centric mobile applications for MSME Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/12162 2025-05-01T00:00:00Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/10336 Leveraging Mobile Phones in Crop Pests and Disease Surveillance - Perspectives of Farmers in Kenya Ouma, Gordon Otieno; Awuor, Fredrick Mzee; Makiya, Cyprian Ratemo; Okanda, Paul Agriculture plays a crucial role in ensuring food security and employment in Kenya. However, farmers in the country have been struggling with low crop yields due to pests and diseases. To address this issue, mobile-based digital surveillance technologies have been recommended as potential solution. However, these technologies have not been widely adopted by farmers, prompting this study to investigate the reasons behind this and propose strategies to improve their uptake. This paper reports on the farmers perspectives in Homa Bay County, Kenya on the adoption of mobile phone based digital tools in crop pest and disease surveillance. The study employed quantitative approach, involving surveys with 326 selected farmers. T he study identified several factors contributing to the low adoption, including lack of training and capacity building, limited technical support to the farmers, limited access to necessary infrastructure, and neglect of co-creation of these solutions with the farmers. Given these findings, it follows that these solutions are intentionally designed to be farmer-centric, and handholding provided to the farmers on use of these technologies including providing farmer training and capacity building. Tue, 30 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/10336 2023-05-30T00:00:00Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/10334 A Framework for Enhancing Adoption of Mobile-based Surveillance for Crop Pest and Disease Management by Farmers in Kenya Ouma, Gordon O; Awuor, F Mzee; Makiya, Cyprian Traditional methods of managing crop pests and diseases in Kenya face challenges in meeting the demands of rising global food needs. While autonomous biosecurity technologies present advancements, obstacles such as affordability, infrastructure limitations, and insufficient farmer skills hinder their widespread adoption. This study introduces a groundbreaking Participatory Farmer-Centric e-Surveillance Framework to empower Kenyan farmers through accessible mobile-based solutions. Conducted in Homa Bay County, Kenya, the research utilized a mixed-methods approach involving surveys of 367 farmers and interviews with 31 extension officers. The findings underscore the substantial impact of pests and diseases on farmer livelihoods and agricultural productivity. Existing surveillance strategies struggle with accurate identification, diagnosis, and timely decision-making. Mobile-based solutions emerge as a promising alternative due to their cost-effectiveness and widespread accessibility. The proposed framework emphasizes farmer centricity, actively involving them in reporting pest and disease occurrences through mobile phones. A central e-Surveillance Data Center aggregates and analyzes data to generate real-time pest and disease maps and forecasts. The digital ecosystem ensures farmers receive timely alerts, tailored advice, and access to relevant agricultural resources. An incentivization mechanism, including rewards and recognition programs, encourages active farmer participation and data sharing. This farmer-centric approach aims to empower individuals with real-time information and decision-making tools, with overarching goals of enhancing agricultural productivity, ensuring food security, improving farm-level resilience, and promoting the long-term sustainability of Kenya's agricultural sector. Leveraging mobile technology and fostering farmer-centric support systems, the framework represents a promising avenue for transforming Kenya's agricultural landscape, contributing significantly to a more sustainable agricultural future for the nation. Wed, 28 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/10334 2024-08-28T00:00:00Z