Information and Communication Technology and Poverty Alleviation: An Assessment of Women Mobile Phone Recharge Card Sellers in Lagos Metropolis
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Date
2021
Authors
Eshiet I.
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University of Lagos Press and Bookshop Ltd.
Abstract
The revolution in Information and Communication Technology as witnessed in present times has impacted livelihoods through increased productivity, improved market access, and new employment opportunities. One of the most prevalent ICT devices is the mobile phone, used by almost five billion people around the world. This has in effect created opportunities for other support services such as the sale of recharge cards. This study investigated the impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on the livelihoods of women residing in urban centres, with a focus on women mobile phone recharge card sellers in Lagos metropolis. A sample size of twenty women who engaged in retail and bulk sales of mobile phone recharge cards was randomly drawn from four LGAs within the Lagos metropolis. In-depth Interview method was used to collect the qualitative data from the respondents. The study empirically examined the impact of income generated from the sales of recharge cards on women’s livelihoods with a focus on their capacity to provide foodstuffs for households, pay children’s school fees, pay house rents and own tangible household assets. Findings reveal that women have become financially empowered through sale of recharge cards and so are able to contribute to household’s upkeep, however, this has not been sufficient to make them escape from poverty. Similarly, access to higher income through the business has been hindered by their low investment capital. The study recommends that women recharge cards sellers should organise into an association and use the platform for accessing microcredit from financial institutions.
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Citation
Eshiet, I. (2021). Information and Communication Technology and Poverty Alleviation: An Assessment of Women Mobile Phone Recharge Card Sellers in Lagos Metropolis. In Bammeke, F., Oyefara, L., Amaike B., Attoh, F., Kunnuji, M. & Adisa, W. (eds). Sociology and the Crisis of National Development. Lagos: University of Lagos Press and Bookshop Ltd. Pp 211- 234.