Exploring Mobile Technology's Role in Preserving Indigenous Cultural Knowledge

Thesis Abstract

In the face of rapid globalization and technological innovation, indigenous cultural knowledge faces the peril of erosion, necessitating urgent preservation strategies that are both effective and accessible. This study investigates the role of mobile technology in safeguarding and transmitting indigenous cultural knowledge among the Maasai community in Kenya, aiming to develop an understanding of how mobile platforms can serve as viable tools for cultural preservation. The specific objectives include assessing the current use of mobile technology among Maasai individuals, identifying the types of cultural content suitable for digital encoding, evaluating community perceptions regarding the use of mobile platforms for cultural preservation, and proposing a model for effective digital cultural repositories. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather comprehensive data. The population comprises 600 Maasai community members aged 15 to 65, selected through stratified random sampling and purposive sampling techniques to ensure representation across age groups, gender, and social status. Quantitative data are collected via structured questionnaires focusing on mobile technology usage patterns, access to digital devices, and attitudes toward digital preservation, while qualitative data are obtained through semi-structured interviews with elders, cultural custodians, and technology service providers. The validity and reliability of research instruments are established through pilot testing, expert reviews, and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients exceeding 0.8. Data analysis involves descriptive statistics, chi-square tests for associations, and thematic analysis for interview transcripts, while the analytical framework is rooted in the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Cultural Theory of Knowledge Transmission to interpret users’ acceptance and cultural implications. Expected findings indicate that mobile phone penetration among the Maasai community exceeds 85%, with increasing familiarity with multimedia applications. The study anticipates revealing positive correlations between mobile technology access and community interest in digital cultural repositories, alongside challenges related to digital literacy, network reliability, and cultural sensitivity. It is projected that a significant proportion of community members support digitizing oral histories, traditional practices, and indigenous languages, provided that cultural protocols are observed and local engagement is prioritized. The thematic analysis of interviews is expected to yield insights into cultural barriers, technological barriers, and ethical considerations surrounding digital cultural preservation. This research contributes to knowledge by providing an empirical assessment of mobile technology as a platform for indigenous knowledge preservation within a community-based context, expanding existing literature predominantly focused on digitization and archival practices. It offers a practical cultural model integrating technology acceptance insights with indigenous knowledge transmission theories, facilitating culturally sensitive digital repository development. The findings will inform policymakers, cultural organizations, and technology developers in designing inclusive digital initiatives tailored to indigenous contexts. The study concludes that mobile technology holds significant potential as an accessible, scalable, and culturally adaptable tool for indigenous knowledge preservation, especially when community participation, cultural protocols, and digital literacy are incorporated into project design. Recommendations include establishing community-led digital cultural archives, fostering local capacity building efforts, and developing culturally appropriate mobile applications to enhance intergenerational knowledge transfer. The research further suggests avenues for future studies to explore longitudinal impacts of mobile-based preservation initiatives, the integration of multimedia storytelling techniques, and cross-community comparisons to generalize findings across diverse indigenous groups.