scholarly journals Mobile phone-assisted agricultural extension services: User competency and usage frequency in eastern Ghana

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (105) ◽  
pp. 18886-18911
Author(s):  
C Nyaplue-Daywhea ◽  
◽  
JK Ahiakpa ◽  
OA Mensah ◽  
F Annor-Frempong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Agricultural Extension ◽  
Adoption Process ◽  
Eastern Region ◽  
Extension Services ◽  
Mobile Phone Use ◽  
Usage Frequency

Adoption studies have mainly focused on econometric and quantitative modelling that usually assume smallholder farmers competently adopt agricultural technologies. This study provides novel insights on user competency and frequency of usage of mobile telephony for agricultural extension services among smallholder farmers and agricultural extension agents (AEAs) and key factors that impede the adoption process. The study examined users’ competencies and mobile phone usage frequency for access and delivery of agricultural extension services in Eastern Ghana. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 95 AEAs and 330 smallholder farmers in five districts of the Eastern region of Ghana and data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and regression analyses were performed to analyse the data. Results showed substantial differences between AEAs and smallholder farmers’ competency in the use of mobile phones for agricultural extension services. Socio-demographic characteristics of smallholder farmers and AEAs correlated with usage frequency of mobile phones for access to extension services and delivery. Educational level, amount of weekly expenditure of money on mobile phone use, mobile phone network quality, income level, and age of both AEAs and smallholder farmers had positive and significant correlations with frequency of usage of mobile phones. User competency differentially impacts the frequency of mobile phone use in agricultural extension services between AEAs and smallholders. High call tariffs and access to recharge cards are major challenges in using mobile phones for agricultural extension in the study areas. The study shows components of the adoption theory of compatibility, and complexity where an innovation fits within the socio-cultural framework and perceived difficulty of use. Thus, the frequent use of voice calls is indicative of early stages of the diffusion process and may diversify into other applications in the future. Farmer-based organisations should be resourced to support training of farmers to use mobile phones to improve access to agricultural information dissemination. Integrating voice-based agricultural information services (IVRs) into the current SMS-based agricultural extension services in Ghana could potentially boost extension service delivery to smallholder farmers in the Eastern region and across the country. The Ministry of Food and Agriculture may partner with key stakeholders and mobile service providers to offer hands-on capacity building to smallholder farmers and AEAs in video calling/conferencing, multimedia service, and social media to enhance their competencies for improved agricultural extension services.

Awareness of ICT-Based Projects and the Intensity of Use of Mobile Phones Among Smallholder Farmers in Uganda

2013 ◽  
pp. 89-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Lwasa ◽  
Narathius Asingwire ◽  
Julius Juma Okello ◽  
Joseph Kiwanuka
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Negative Binomial Regression ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Mobile Phone Use ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Input Markets

As the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) is embraced in Uganda, determinants of awareness of ICT based projects remain unknown. The intensity of use of mobile phones among smallholder farmers in the areas where such projects operate is unclear. To address this knowledge gap, 346 smallholder farmers in two ICT project sites in Mayuge and Apac districts were subjected to econometric analysis using bi-variate logistic and zero-inflated negative binomial regression models to ascertain determinants of projects’ awareness and intensity of use of mobile phones. The authors find that education, distance to input markets, and membership in a group positively influence awareness. The decision to use a mobile phone for agricultural purposes is affected by distance to electricity and land cultivated and negatively influenced by being a member of any farmer group. Lastly, intensity of mobile phone use is affected by age, farming as the major occupation, and distance to an internet facility, being a member of a project, having participated in an agricultural project before, value of assets, size of land cultivated, possession of a mobile phone, and proximity to agricultural offices. The paper discusses policy implications of these findings.

Awareness of ICT-Based Projects and the Intensity of Use of Mobile Phones Among Smallholder Farmers in Uganda

2011 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 26-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Lwasa ◽  
Narathius Asingwire ◽  
Julius Juma Okello ◽  
Joseph Kiwanuka
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Negative Binomial Regression ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Mobile Phone Use ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Input Markets

As the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) is embraced in Uganda, determinants of awareness of ICT based projects remain unknown. The intensity of use of mobile phones among smallholder farmers in the areas where such projects operate is unclear. To address this knowledge gap, 346 smallholder farmers in two ICT project sites in Mayuge and Apac districts were subjected to econometric analysis using bi-variate logistic and zero-inflated negative binomial regression models to ascertain determinants of projects’ awareness and intensity of use of mobile phones. The authors find that education, distance to input markets, and membership in a group positively influence awareness. The decision to use a mobile phone for agricultural purposes is affected by distance to electricity and land cultivated and negatively influenced by being a member of any farmer group. Lastly, intensity of mobile phone use is affected by age, farming as the major occupation, and distance to an internet facility, being a member of a project, having participated in an agricultural project before, value of assets, size of land cultivated, possession of a mobile phone, and proximity to agricultural offices. The paper discusses policy implications of these findings.

Demographic Factors Influencing the Adoption of Mobile Phones in the Utilization of Formal Financial Services by Smallholder Farmers in Kenya

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-92
Author(s):  
Joseph Masinde Wabwire
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Demographic Factors ◽  
Simple Random Sampling ◽  
Mobile Service ◽  
Factors Influencing

The study aimed at assessing the demographic factors influencing adoption of mobile phones in the utilization of formal financial services by smallholder farmers in Kenya. Financial access household survey showed that 80 percent of Kenyan adults own a formal bank account. Whilst significant advances have been made in financial technology products, their penetration and usage among smallholder farmers in utilizing financial services and particularly the demographic factors influencing them remains unestablished. Research into more innovative, intermediated solutions, effective participation and inclusion of appropriate community-based groups in mobile financial services is, therefore, necessary. The target population for this study were smallholder farmers from Nakuru, Busia and Kirinyaga Counties in Kenya.  Simple random sampling and Convenience sampling techniques were used to select 496 smallholder farmers as respondents for the study. Data was collected using copies of a researcher developed questionnaire and data collection sheet. Quantitative data was analysed using multiple linear regression analysis with the aid of SPSS software. The findings revealed that demographic factors were important in predicting mobile phone utilization for formal financial services among smallholder farmers in Kenya. Therefore, the study recommends that mobile phone mobile service providers should collaborate with financial service providers to enable the farmers upgrade their phones to access more financial services platforms.

The impact of mobile phone use on farmers’ livelihoods in post-insurgency Northeast Nigeria

2019 ◽  
pp. 026666691988690 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chioma Anadozie ◽  
Mathias Fonkam ◽  
Jean-Paul Cleron ◽  
Muhammadou MO Kah
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Feedback Loops ◽  
Information And Communications Technology ◽  
Mobile Phone Use ◽  
Complex Interactions ◽  
Sustainable Livelihoods Framework ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Northeast Nigeria

The most ubiquitous information and communications technology (ICT) in the hands of the common man today is the mobile phone. Most existing literature on the impact of mobile phones in farming has examined the various components of the farming cycle in isolation, and failed to holistically account for the complex interactions and relationships between these components. In this study, we combine the strengths of the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) and Systems Theory (ST) as a theoretical lens to understand the impact of mobile phone use in farming and its developmental contributions on the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in post-insurgency northeast Nigeria. On the basis of empirical data and literature, we develop a qualitative system dynamics model depicting mobile phone use in farming. The main feedback loops show that the greatest bane to farming in the area is insecurity and climate variability. However, better access to information and communications afforded by mobile phones empowers farmers and enables them to overcome these vulnerabilities. The use of feedback loops in analysis provides rigour and depth to the findings due to their ability to demonstrate the interdependencies between system components. We contribute to knowledge and inform practice by extending the understanding of the impact of mobile phone use in farming through system dynmics modelling.

scholarly journals Perspectives of Adolescents, Parents, Service Providers and Teachers on Mobile Phone Ownership, Access and use For SRH Information Among Adolescents

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beverlyn Marion Ochieng ◽  
Monica A Magadi ◽  
Lesley Smith ◽  
Bev Orton ◽  
Mark Hayter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Public Health Practice ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Mobile Phone Use ◽  
Ease Of Access ◽  
School Heads

Abstract Introduction: Mobile health (mHealth) programmes offer opportunities to improve sexual and reproductive health (SRH) for adolescents by providing information. Researchers define mHealth as a “medical and public health practice supported by mobile devices”. mHealth is increasingly used to deliver health interventions including adolescent SRH. However, knowledge gaps remain regarding the utilization and effectiveness of these programmes. This study reports findings of a qualitative study carried out in Homabay County, Kenya. Purpose: We aimed to establish if mHealth would facilitate access of SRH information by adolescents, and whether adolescents would participate in SRH-related content delivered on mobile phones, based on their experiences and existing constraints.Methods: This was a qualitative exploratory study seeking to gain an understanding of the experiences of adolescents concerning their mobile phone ownership, access and use. The study population included adolescents, parents, teachers and health care workers and community health volunteers (CHVs). Data were collected through 25 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and 19 key informant interviews (KIIs). The FGDs consisted of five groups each for girls, boys, fathers, mothers and CHVs. We purposively selected five primary school heads, five secondary school heads and nine health facilities in-charges for KIIs. Data were analyzed through thematic and qualitative content analysis.Results: Mobile phone use was frequent among adolescents accessing phones from parents and friends. The most popular use of mobile phones was short messaging service (SMS) with girls and boys citing chatting, SMS and watching movies. Service providers emphasized accessing health knowledge. Teachers emphasized accessing SRH information. All respondent categories highlighting ease of access and potential reach to large numbers of adolescents and hence an effective and efficient approach. Respondents lauded the potential of mobile phones to promote learning of useful SRH information among adolescents to influence their behavior formation, modification and or change by learning about diseases and receiving advice. Mobile phones overcame barriers experienced by adolescents when seeking sensitive SRH information and services such as stigma, discrimination, and lack of privacy and confidentiality. Conclusion: Mobile phones can provide safe, accurate, cost-effective, and timely SRH information and services tailored to the needs of adolescents to influence their behavior

scholarly journals Effective Extension Sustainability in the face of COVID-19 Pandemic in Smallholder Agricultural Markets

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 865-878
Author(s):  
Enock Siankwilimba
Keyword(s):  
Service Providers ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Geographical Location ◽  
Agricultural Extension ◽  
Delivery Systems ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Support Functions ◽  
Extension Services ◽  
The Face ◽  
Sustainability Theory

Abstract: The effects of COVID-19 have tested and crushed the earlier achievement in sustaining the agricultural and extension delivery system globally. COVID-19 has pressed a reset panel on the extension services more especially among the smallholder farmers who are already underprivileged. Specifically, this review paper aims to analyse studies on the sustainability of agricultural extension delivery systems in face of the COVID-19 crisis. The various theories and factors advanced in discussing sustainable agricultural extension delivery systems, and how they contribute to improved production and productivity to end poverty have been addressed. The COVID-19 mitigation strategies and their effect on agricultural extension sustainability have been laid bare. No single sustainability theory can explain how COVID-19 has disrupted the extension delivery systems. The service providers and farmers have had their effects differently, and all players have followed mitigation to the best of their knowledge. Extension delivery has undergone numerous modifications over the years to better meet the demands of farmers and the changing nature of the markets in which they operate. In order to provide effective service delivery and outcomes to farmers, collective involvement of various stakeholders is necessary since no single player can achieve effective extension sustainability alone due to the diverse nature of the challenges, which are mainly influenced by factors such as geographical location, poverty, and social status among others. Therefore, appropriate approaches should be selected based on the needs of farmers and the market dynamics of a specific economic orientation in a given area. We conclude that effective and sustainable extension delivery systems require many combined theories, support functions, formal and informal rules, and regulations involving all extension-based stakeholders. Keywords: Sustainability, COVID-19, smallholder farmers, agricultural market systems, extension services

scholarly journals Understanding The Purpose and Potential Popularity of Mobile Phone Use in Zambia’s Maize Production

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gershom Endelani Mwalupaso ◽  
Xu Tian ◽  
Eunice Matafwali ◽  
Moses Chansa Mwamba ◽  
Essiagnon John-Philippe Alavo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Average Treatment Effect ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Maize Production ◽  
Mobile Phone Use ◽  
Voice Calls

There is a growing use of mobile phones in rural areas on account of its relative inexpensiveness and lack of requirement for an urban environment. As a platform for accessing information through text messages and voice calls, farmers are able to collect agricultural information which may lead to higher productivity due to technology spillover. If the use of mobile phones contributes to the improvement of farmers’ productivity, their agricultural output level should increase. In this study, we investigate the adoption of mobile phones to obtain agricultural information and its effect on smallholder maize farmers’ production using cross-sectional data from Zambia. Understanding such causal effects is indispensable especially against the background of vision 2030. The propensity score matching (PSM) method was adopted to estimate the average treatment effect of treated of mobile phone adoption in agriculture. We found that the use of mobile phones significantly increases farmers’ productivity, by about 30%. If farmers start to adopt mobile phones to collect agricultural information, the total maize output would also increase by 30.36%, which would culminate in feeding two more people per household daily for the whole year. Therefore, we cautiously conclude that mobile phone use in agriculture serves the purpose of contributing to the fight against hunger via enhancing maize production and this is driving its popularity among smallholder farmers in rural Zambia.

Farmers' Access and Use of Mobile Phones for Improving the Coverage of Agricultural Extension Service

2020 ◽  
pp. 661-686
Author(s):  
Boaz Stanslaus Kiberiti ◽  
Camilius Aloyce Sanga ◽  
Mussa Mussa ◽  
S. D. Tumbo ◽  
Malongo R.S. Mlozi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Agricultural Extension ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Extension Services ◽  
Multistage Sampling

This study sought to investigate on the access and use of mobile phones for improving the coverage of agricultural extension services among farmers in the pre-harvest stages of maize value chain in Kilosa district. The study examined the use of mobile phones as a means for improving the coverage of agricultural extension services. The study adapted a cross sectional study design and a multistage sampling technique. Data were mainly collected using structured questionnaires. The results revealed that majority of respondents used mobile phones and had a positive attitude on the contribution of mobile phone in their farming business. The study results also indicated that mobile phones offered an affordable solution to farmers' information needs and information requirements. The study concluded that the use of mobile phone to communicate agricultural information depends on information needs of farmers. The study recommended that farmers need to be encouraged and supported to access and use mobile phones in their farming business.

Farmers' Access and Use of Mobile Phones for Improving the Coverage of Agricultural Extension Service

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Boaz Stanslaus Kiberiti ◽  
Camilius Aloyce Sanga ◽  
Mussa Mussa ◽  
S. D. Tumbo ◽  
Malongo R.S. Mlozi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Agricultural Extension ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Extension Services ◽  
Study Results

This study sought to investigate on the access and use of mobile phones for improving the coverage of agricultural extension services among farmers in the pre-harvest stages of maize value chain in Kilosa district. The study examined the use of mobile phones as a means for improving the coverage of agricultural extension services. The study adapted a cross sectional study design and a multistage sampling technique. Data were mainly collected using structured questionnaires. The results revealed that majority of respondents used mobile phones and had a positive attitude on the contribution of mobile phone in their farming business. The study results also indicated that mobile phones offered an affordable solution to farmers' information needs and information requirements. The study concluded that the use of mobile phone to communicate agricultural information depends on information needs of farmers. The study recommended that farmers need to be encouraged and supported to access and use mobile phones in their farming business.

A MODEL OF ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE ACCEPTANCE OF MOBILE PHONE USE IN PUBLIC PLACES

2009 ◽  
Vol 06 (03) ◽  
pp. 305-326 ◽  
Author(s):  
BRENDA MAK ◽  
ROBERT C. NICKERSON ◽  
HENRI ISAAC
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Demographic Factors ◽  
The United States ◽  
Work Status ◽  
Public Places ◽  
Mobile Phone Use ◽  
Gender And Work ◽  
Usage Frequency

Since the first commercial launch of cellular telecoms by NET in Tokyo Japan in 1979 and the launch of the NMT system in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden in 1981, the mobile phone has undergone continual incremental innovation for changing market needs. This study investigates the factors affecting the attitudes towards the social acceptance of mobile phones in public places and how this attitude affects its usage. Theories on innovation and technology acceptance were reviewed, and studies relating demographic factors to technology acceptance were examined. A model was proposed relating the usage frequency and attitudes towards acceptance of mobile phone in public places to demographic factors, such as country, age, education, gender, and work status. A survey was conducted among mobile phone users, and the sample consisted of 1079 respondents in the United States, France, Italy, Turkey, and Finland. A structural equation model was developed to analyze the survey data. Results of the analysis indicate that the attitudes about mobile phone use in public places depend on country, and age factors. This attitude in turn significantly affects the usage frequency of mobile phones. In addition, usage frequency also is affected by gender and work status. Implications of the findings for both academicians and practitioners are discussed.

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