Interaction Patterns and ICT Use to Support the Livelihoods of Microenterprises

This paper reports on the nature of interaction patterns and use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to support the livelihood of microenterprises. The study focused on the case of South Africa where Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) act as a means for addressing unemployment and poverty. The study used qualitative data to understand the interaction patterns and how ICT such as computers, mobile phones and internet are used to support the livelihoods of microenterprises. The findings showed that vertical and horizontal interactions supported the flow of information and sharing of knowledge used in decisions for reducing vulnerabilities in the livelihoods of microenterprises. ICT were improving the interactions that supported the livelihoods of microenterprises. The study recommends use of existing social networks for microenterprises when designing interventions for supporting microenterprises.