Strategic Technological Innovations for Sustainability at Northern Rangeland Trust, Kenya

Abstract

effective functioning of an organization in a globalised environment is increasingly being influenced by the intensification of technological innovation, with a significant link between the economic and the environmental and social aspects of business. Strategic technological innovations help organizations configure their internal processes, absorptive capacity and practices that enable them to achieve sustainability goals.This research explored the strategic technological innovations for sustainability within the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT) in Kenya, employing a case study methodology, specifically face to face interview was employed in this study data was gathered from 25 employees within the organization and content analysis was employed to analyze the data. The study was anchored on three theoretical frameworks: Diffusion of Innovations Theory, Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), and the Resource-Based View (RBV) Theory. The findings of the study revealed that NRT has leveraged advanced technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, artificial intelligence (AI), drone surveillance, and smart water management systems. These technologies have been instrumental in monitoring biodiversity, managing grazing patterns, mitigating human-wildlife conflict, and improving community resilience. The findings further indicate that while strategic technological innovations significantly enhance NRT’s conservation and sustainability outcomes, barriers such as limited ICT infrastructure, high costs, and socio-cultural resistance affect technology uptake. Furthermore, the study reveals that community involvement is critical for successful technology integration, as evidenced by higher acceptance rates and improved sustainability outcomes when communities are actively engaged. The study highlights the need for training and resource allocation to strengthen local capacity and address resistance to new technologies. This research contributes to existing literature by filling contextual and conceptual gaps in strategic technological innovations for sustainability in community conservancies. It provides valuable insights for policymakers, conservation practitioners, and organizations seeking to adopt technology in conservation, emphasizing the importance of adapting technology to local conditions. The findings support NRT’s strategic planning by identifying best practices for leveraging technology in conservation, promoting resilience, and building peace within community-led conservation frameworks. The study’s recommendations underscore the importance of interdisciplinary approaches that integrate ecological, technological, and socio-economic considerations, ensuring that technological interventions align with NRT’s mission to foster sustainable community-driven conservation.