Proposing internet of things integration into deoxyribonucleic acid technology for combating stock theft in Kwazulu-Natal Province of South Africa

Abstract

The ever-increasing stock theft in the selected areas of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province seems to be uncontrollable. Heavily reliance on the use of conventional methods, such as brand-marking and tattooing and legislative frameworks, like the Stock Theft Act (No. 57 of 1959) and Animal Identification Act (No. 6 of 2002) in attempting to quell this crime currently proved ineffective. In responding to this elusive scourge, the objective of this study was to propose Internet of Things (IoT) integration into Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) technology for combating stock theft in the selected areas of KZN Province. This qualitative study was guided by the descriptive and exploratory research designs, with approximately 49 participants purposively selected from various Anti-Stock theft stakeholders. The Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interview (KIIs) were adopted for data collections. The inductive Thematic Content Analysis (TCA) was also employed for data analysis. This study established that IoT allows livestock farmers to improve their livestock management through activity and movement-monitoring. Thus, the sought integration with DNA technology can adequately aid to evidence gathering relating and livestock identification by offering DNA characteristics. It is recommended that all Anti-Stock theft stakeholders should highly consider undergoing educational courses and other related trainings based on the effective use of IoT and DNA technology to physical match livestock ear notches and brands, as well as provide specific descriptions and verifications of their near real-time visibility in varying periods respectively.