Level of Knowledge and Use of
Information Technology Among Gatherers and Fishermen in the Mangrove Ecosystem
of the Muisne Canton, Ecuador
Nivel de conocimiento y uso de recursos
informáticos en recolectores y pescadores del ecosistema manglar del cantón
Muisne, Ecuador
Marco Vinicio Cedeño Coveña1
Published Instituto
Tecnológico Superior Corporativo Edwards Deming. Quito - Ecuador Frequency April–June Vol.
1, No. 29, 2026 pp. 53–62 http://centrosuragraria.com/index.php/revista Dates of receipt Received: January 2, 2026 Approved: March 15, 2026 Corresponding author Creative Commons License Creative Commons License,
Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0
International.https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.es Esta investigación es generada desde el
proyecto de investigación titulado: “Estructura biofísica, gestión
empresarial y valoración económica del ecosistema manglar, cantón Muisne-
Esmeraldas- Ecuador”, financiado por el Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Vinculación
y Posgrado de la Universidad Técnica “Luis Vargas Torres” de
Esmeraldas-Ecuador.
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.
Keywords: Technology,
digital divide, fishermen
Systems Engineer, currently
working as an ICT analyst at the Luis Vargas Torres Technical University in
Esmeraldas. marco.cedeno@utelvt.edu.ec. ORCID 0000-0002-1671-8071
Palabras clave: Tecnología,
brecha digital, pescadores
Introduction
Mangroves are coastal ecosystems of
great ecological and socioeconomic importance. These systems provide essential
habitats for numerous marine species and offer natural protection against
coastal erosion and extreme weather events. Furthermore, mangroves play a
fundamental role in carbon sequestration and the regulation of ecological
processes.
In Latin America, mangroves have
historically been used by local communities for artisanal fishing and the
harvesting of marine resources. In Ecuador, these activities are particularly
important in the province of Esmeraldas, where numerous communities depend
directly on mangrove resources for their livelihoods.
In the Muisne
canton, the harvesting and collection of mangrove species constitute a
fundamental economic activity. However, communities that depend on these
resources face various challenges related to poverty, social exclusion, and
limited adoption of digital technologies. The digital divide between urban and
rural areas remains a significant problem that limits access to information,
training, and opportunities for economic development.
Mangroves are coastal ecosystems of
great ecological and socioeconomic importance. These systems provide essential
habitats for numerous marine species and offer natural protection against
coastal erosion and extreme weather events. Furthermore, mangroves play a
fundamental role in carbon sequestration and the regulation of ecological
processes.
In Latin America, mangroves have
historically been used by local communities for artisanal fishing and the
harvesting of marine resources. In Ecuador, these activities are particularly
important in the province of Esmeraldas, where numerous communities depend
directly on mangrove resources for their livelihoods.
In the Muisne
canton, the harvesting and collection of mangrove species constitute a
fundamental economic activity. However, communities that depend on these
resources face various challenges related to poverty, social exclusion, and
limited adoption of digital technologies. The digital divide between urban and
rural areas remains a significant problem that limits access to information,
training, and opportunities for economic development.
Mangroves are coastal ecosystems of
great ecological and socioeconomic importance. These systems provide essential
habitats for numerous marine species and offer natural protection against
coastal erosion and extreme weather events. Furthermore, mangroves play a
fundamental role in carbon sequestration and the regulation of ecological
processes.
In Latin America, mangroves have
historically been used by local communities for artisanal fishing and the
harvesting of marine resources. In Ecuador, these activities are particularly
important in the province of Esmeraldas, where numerous communities depend
directly on mangrove resources for their livelihoods.
In the Muisne
canton, the harvesting and collection of mangrove species constitute a
fundamental economic activity. However, communities that depend on these
resources face various challenges related to poverty, social exclusion, and
limited adoption of digital technologies. The digital divide between urban and
rural areas remains a significant problem that limits access to information,
training, and opportunities for economic development.
Mangroves are coastal ecosystems of
great ecological and socioeconomic importance. These systems provide essential
habitats for numerous marine species and offer natural protection against
coastal erosion and extreme weather events. Furthermore, mangroves play a
fundamental role in carbon sequestration and the regulation of ecological
processes.
In Latin America, mangroves have
historically been used by local communities for artisanal fishing and the
harvesting of marine resources. In Ecuador, these activities are particularly
important in the province of Esmeraldas, where numerous communities depend
directly on mangrove resources for their livelihoods.
In the Muisne
canton, the capture and harvesting of mangrove species constitute a fundamental
economic activity. However, communities that depend on these resources face
various challenges related to poverty, social exclusion, and limited adoption
of digital technologies. The digital divide between urban and rural areas
remains a significant problem that limits access to information, training, and
economic development opportunities.
Methodology
The research was conducted using a
qualitative approach based on a systematic literature review. Scientific
articles, technical reports, and academic documents related to mangroves,
artisanal fishing, digital literacy, and the use of ICTs in rural communities
were analyzed.
Information sources were obtained
from recognized academic databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, Scielo, Redalyc, and Google
Scholar. Studies published between 2000 and 2024 were prioritized.
The methodological process included
the following stages:
1. Identification
of relevant scientific literature.
2. Selection
of studies based on inclusion criteria.
3. Comparative
analysis of the results reported in the literature.
4. Synthesis
of the information to identify trends and patterns.
The research was conducted using a
qualitative approach based on a systematic literature review. Scientific
articles, technical reports, and academic documents related to mangroves,
artisanal fisheries, digital literacy, and the use of ICTs in rural communities
were analyzed.
Information sources were obtained
from recognized academic databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, Scielo, Redalyc, and Google
Scholar. Priority was given to studies published between 2000 and 2024.
The methodological process included the following stages:
1. Identification
of relevant scientific literature.
2. Selection
of studies based on inclusion criteria.
3. Comparative
analysis of the results reported in the literature.
4. Synthesis
of the information to identify trends and patterns.
The research was conducted using a qualitative approach based on a systematic
literature review . Scientific articles, technical reports, and academic
documents related to mangroves, artisanal fishing, digital literacy, and the
use of ICTs in rural communities were analyzed.
Information sources were obtained
from recognized academic databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, Scielo, Redalyc, and Google
Scholar. Priority was given to studies published between 2000 and 2024.
The methodological process included
the following stages:
· Identification
of relevant scientific literature.
· Selection
of studies based on inclusion criteria.
· Comparative
analysis of the results reported in the literature.
· Synthesis
of the information to identify trends and patterns.
Results
The reviewed studies show that rural
coastal communities have relatively low levels of digital literacy compared to
urban areas. Among the main factors influencing this situation are limited
technological infrastructure, low internet access, and economic constraints on
acquiring technological devices.
Several studies highlight that the
use of digital technologies can significantly improve productivity in artisanal
fisheries. Access to meteorological information, GPS navigation systems, and
digital marketing platforms can contribute to improving the safety and
efficiency of fishing activities.
Likewise, the literature indicates
that the implementation of digital literacy training programs can strengthen
the productive capacities of mangrove-dependent communities.
The reviewed studies show that rural
coastal communities have relatively low levels of digital literacy compared to
urban areas. Among the main factors influencing this situation are limited
technological infrastructure, low internet access, and economic constraints on
acquiring technological devices.
Various studies highlight that the
use of digital technologies can significantly improve productivity in artisanal
fisheries. Access to meteorological information, GPS navigation systems, and
digital marketing platforms can contribute to improving the safety and
efficiency of fishing activities.
Likewise, the literature indicates
that the implementation of digital literacy training programs can strengthen
the productive capacities of mangrove-dependent communities.
The reviewed studies show that rural
coastal communities have relatively low levels of digital literacy compared to
urban areas. Among the main factors influencing this situation are limited
technological infrastructure, low internet access, and economic constraints on
purchasing technological devices.
Various studies highlight that the
use of digital technologies can significantly improve productivity in
small-scale fisheries. Access to weather information, GPS navigation systems,
and digital marketing platforms can help improve the safety and efficiency of
fishing activities.
Likewise, the literature indicates
that the incorporation of digital literacy training programs can strengthen the
productive capacities of mangrove-dependent communities.
The reviewed studies show that rural
coastal communities have relatively low levels of digital literacy compared to
urban areas. Among the main factors influencing this situation are limited
technological infrastructure, low internet access, and economic constraints on
acquiring technological devices.
Various studies highlight that the
use of digital technologies can significantly improve productivity in artisanal
fisheries. Access to meteorological information, GPS navigation systems, and
digital marketing platforms can contribute to improving the safety and
efficiency of fishing activities.
Likewise, the literature indicates
that the implementation of digital literacy training programs can strengthen
the productive capacities of mangrove-dependent communities.
The reviewed studies show that rural
coastal communities have relatively low levels of digital literacy compared to
urban areas. Among the main factors influencing this situation are limited
technological infrastructure, low internet access, and economic constraints on
acquiring technological devices.
Various studies highlight that the
use of digital technologies can significantly improve productivity in artisanal
fisheries. Access to meteorological information, GPS navigation systems, and
digital marketing platforms can contribute to improving the safety and
efficiency of fishing activities.
Likewise, the literature indicates
that the incorporation of digital literacy training programs can strengthen the
productive capacities of mangrove-dependent communities.
The results of the literature review
align with international studies indicating that the digital divide constitutes
one of the main challenges to sustainable rural development. In coastal
communities where traditional productive activities predominate, the adoption
of digital technologies can significantly contribute to improving economic
competitiveness and resilience in the face of environmental changes.
The incorporation of information
technologies into artisanal fisheries can facilitate access to information on
weather conditions, markets, and natural resource management. Furthermore,
digital literacy can strengthen the organizational capacities of fishermen’s
and gatherers’ associations.
The results of the literature review
align with international studies indicating that the digital divide is one of
the main challenges to sustainable rural development. In coastal communities
where traditional productive activities predominate, the adoption of digital
technologies can significantly contribute to improving economic competitiveness
and resilience to environmental changes.
The incorporation of information
technologies into artisanal fisheries can facilitate access to information on
weather conditions, markets, and natural resource management. Furthermore,
digital literacy can strengthen the organizational capacities of fishermen’s
and gatherers’ associations.
The results of the literature review
align with international studies indicating that the digital divide is one of
the main challenges to sustainable rural development. In coastal communities
where traditional productive activities predominate, the adoption of digital
technologies can significantly contribute to improving economic competitiveness
and resilience to environmental changes.
The incorporation of information
technologies into artisanal fisheries can facilitate access to information on
weather conditions, markets, and natural resource management. Furthermore,
digital literacy can strengthen the organizational capacities of fishermen’s
and gatherers’ associations.
The results of the literature review
align with international studies indicating that the digital divide is one of
the main challenges to sustainable rural development. In coastal communities
where traditional productive activities predominate, the adoption of digital
technologies can significantly contribute to improving economic competitiveness
and resilience to environmental changes.
The incorporation of information
technologies into artisanal fisheries can facilitate access to information on
weather conditions, markets, and natural resource management. Furthermore,
digital literacy can strengthen the organizational capacities of fishermen’s
and gatherers’ associations.
Conclusions
The literature review conducted
leads to the conclusion that communities engaged in the harvesting and
collection of mangrove ecosystem products have limited knowledge and use of IT
resources. The main limitations are associated with the digital divide in rural
areas, limited technological infrastructure, and restricted access to training
programs.
However, the scientific literature
shows that the incorporation of digital technologies can significantly
contribute to strengthening productive activities, the marketing of fishery
products, and the sustainable management of the mangrove ecosystem.
The literature review conducted
suggests that communities engaged in the harvesting and collection of mangrove
ecosystem products have limited knowledge and use of IT resources. The main
limitations are associated with the digital divide in rural areas, limited
technological infrastructure, and restricted access to training programs.
However, the scientific literature
shows that the incorporation of digital technologies can significantly
contribute to strengthening productive activities, the marketing of fishery
products, and the sustainable management of the mangrove ecosystem.
The literature review conducted
leads to the conclusion that communities engaged in the harvesting and
collection of mangrove ecosystem products have limited knowledge and use of
information technology resources. The main limitations are associated with the
digital divide in rural areas, limited technological infrastructure, and
restricted access to training programs.
However, the scientific literature
indicates that the incorporation of digital technologies can significantly
contribute to strengthening productive activities, the marketing of fishery
products, and the sustainable management of the mangrove ecosystem.
References
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(2019). The global status of mangrove ecosystems. Nature.
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al. (2020). Global mangrove restoration potential. Nature Communications.
Spalding, M. et al.
(2010). World Atlas of Mangroves.
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The digital access divide. Telecommunications Policy.
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The Digital Divide. Polity Press.
FAO. (2020). Digital
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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.
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.