Reflections on e-Agriculture: Insights into Equity, Participation and Knowledge Transformation in Resource Constrained Aquaponics Settings

Authors

Priviledge Mabiza, Nelson Mandela University, South Africa

Swelihle Msomi, Nelson Mandela University, South Africa

Phumla Dlamini, Nelson Mandela University, South Africa

Darelle Van Greunen, Nelson Mandela University, South Africa

Larry Icard, Nelson Mandela University, South Africa

Fezeka Majiki, INMED

Published in

IST-Africa 2026 Conference Proceedings

ISSN: 2576-8581

ISBN: 978-1-905824-76-2

DOI: https://doi.org/10.67725/IST-Africa.2026.SLMK1990

Publisher

IST-Africa Institute and IIMC International Information Management Corporation Ltd

Published in Ireland

Abstract

Technology adoption in low-resource environments remains uneven and poorly understood despite rapid growth in e-Agriculture. Limited digital literacy, infrastructural constraints, and financial constraints often hinder successful uptake. This reflective paper aims to answer the research question: What barriers might limit the impact of digital monitoring systems adoption in low-resource aquaponics operations? Employing reflective practice, it examines the barriers to introducing digital solutions in environments characterized by limited infrastructure, uneven digital literacy, and sustainability constraints. The study draws on experiential knowledge gained through involvement in the development and deployment of Sensaponics. The findings demonstrate how e-Agriculture solutions can address structural inequities and highlight the importance of understanding both physical environments and user backgrounds for successful implementation. This paper advances understanding of the deployment of an ICT-enabled aquaponics monitoring system in a resource-constrained LMIC context, demonstrating how organisational readiness, digital literacy, and infrastructural capacity shape technology adoption.

Keywords

e-Agriculture, LMIC, digital literacy, digital access, digital exclusion

Cite this paper

P. Mabiza, S. Msomi, P. Dlamini, D. Van Greunen, L. Icard and F. Majiki (2026) "Reflections on e-Agriculture: Insights into Equity, Participation and Knowledge Transformation in Resource Constrained Aquaponics Settings", IST-Africa 2026 Conference Proceedings, Miriam Cunningham and Paul Cunningham (Eds), IST-Africa Institute and IIMC, 2026, ISSN: 2576-8581, ISBN: 978-1-905824-76-2, https://doi.org/10.67725/IST-Africa.2026.SLMK1990

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