Level of Knowledge and Use of Information Technology Among Gatherers and Fishermen in the Mangrove Ecosystem of the Muisne Canton, Ecuador
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Abstract
Mangrove ecosystems represent one of the most productive ecological systems on the planet and provide ecosystem services essential for the subsistence of coastal communities. In Ecuador, particularly in the province of Esmeraldas and the canton of Muisne, numerous families depend on artisanal fishing and the harvesting of mangrove-associated species such as shellfish, crabs, and fish. However, these communities face limitations related to access to information and communication technologies (ICT), digital literacy, and the availability of technological infrastructure. This article aims to determine the level of knowledge and use of computer resources among people engaged in the harvesting and collection of products from the mangrove ecosystem in the Muisne canton. To this end, a literature review of scientific articles indexed in international databases was conducted. The results reveal the existence of a significant digital divide in rural coastal communities. However, the scientific literature indicates that the adoption of digital technologies can improve production processes, market access, and the sustainability of natural resources.
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Barbier, E. et al. (2011). The value of estuarine and coastal ecosystem services. Ecological Monographs.
Friess, D. et al. (2019). The global status of mangrove ecosystems. Nature.
Worthington, T. et al. (2020). Global mangrove restoration potential. Nature Communications.
Spalding, M. et al. (2010). World Atlas of Mangroves.
Hilbert, M. (2016). The digital access divide. Telecommunications Policy.
Van Dijk, J. (2020). The Digital Divide. Polity Press.
FAO. (2020). Digital technologies in fisheries and aquaculture.
FAO. (2018). Small-scale fisheries and rural development.
Allison, E. (2011). Aquaculture, fisheries, poverty, and food security. World Development.
Béné, C. (2006). Small-scale fisheries: assessing their contribution. FAO Fisheries Circular.
ECLAC. (2022). The Digital Society in Latin America.
Castells, M. (2010). The Rise of the Network Society.
ITU. (2022). Measuring digital development.
OECD. (2021). Bridging the Digital Divide.
UNESCO. (2018). Digital literacy in education.
Alongi, D. (2014). Carbon Cycling and Storage in Mangrove Forests. Annual Review of Marine Science.
Barbier, E. et al. (2011). The value of estuarine and coastal ecosystem services. Ecological Monographs.
Friess, D. et al. (2019). The global status of mangrove ecosystems. Nature.
Worthington, T. et al. (2020). Global mangrove restoration potential. Nature Communications.
Spalding, M. et al. (2010). World Atlas of Mangroves.
Hilbert, M. (2016). The digital access divide. Telecommunications Policy.
Van Dijk, J. (2020). The Digital Divide. Polity Press.
FAO. (2020). Digital technologies in fisheries and aquaculture.
FAO. (2018). Small-scale fisheries and rural development.
Allison, E. (2011). Aquaculture, fisheries, poverty, and food security. World Development.
Béné, C. (2006). Small-scale fisheries: assessing their contribution. FAO Fisheries Circular.
ECLAC. (2022). The Digital Society in Latin America.
Castells, M. (2010). The Rise of the Network Society.
ITU. (2022). Measuring digital development.
OECD. (2021). Bridging the Digital Divide.
UNESCO. (2018). Digital literacy in education.