Factors constraining the use of mobile phone technologies for accessing agricultural marketing information by grape smallholder farmers in Tanzania

Abstract

The increased use of mobile phone technology is advocated to assist smallholder farmers in accessing relevant and accurate agricultural marketing information. Unfortunately, the use of mobile phones among smallholder farmers is still evolving, challenging, and debatable among scholars. This study examined factors constraining the use of mobile phones in accessing agricultural marketing information. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted with a sample size of 400 grape smallholder farmers. A structured questionnaire, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews were used to gather data. Descriptive, ordinal logistic regression, and thematic approaches were used in data analysis. The study found that mobile phones were used for cross-checking prices and finding buyers. The study revealed that mobile phone use for accessing agricultural marketing information was constrained by illiteracy, inadequate skills and training, and high costs. Based on the findings, it is concluded that the factors were negatively impacting the effective use of mobile phones in accessing agricultural marketing information. It is recommended that concentrated efforts are required to increase training to stimulate the effective use of mobile phones for accessing agricultural marketing information.