Assessing the Contribution of Mobile Phone Agricultural Information on Maize Productivity: A Case Study of Kilolo District, Tanzania

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the contribution of mobile phone agricultural information on maize productivity among smallholder farmers in Kilolo District while taking into consideration contextual factors that may affect the efficacy of such interventions. By analyzing the potential benefits associated with the dissemination of agricultural information via mobile phones, this study aims to significantly contribute to the academic conversation and practical interventions focused on sustainable agricultural growth in the region. In this study, a cross-sectional strategy was employed as a general framework for the research design process. This study employed a quantitative research strategy. To gather quantitative information about smallholder farmers' ownership of mobile phones, usage habits, access to agricultural information, and productivity in growing maize,the target population comprises 106,342 farmers and selected sample of 173 farmers in Kilolo District was surveyed. From the findingsIt is also established in the study that 89% of the respondents agreed that accessed information helped in improving their market management while 11% disagreed, Also 60%) of the respondents agreed that there are increased yields in maize farming due to information accessed through mobile phones, (54%) of the respondents agreed that the advantages of agricultural information accessed through mobile phones on maize productivity outweigh the drawbacks, it was established that (78%) of the respondents agreed that they had changed their maize farming practices based on the agricultural information accessed through mobile (69%) of the respondents agreed that the impact of the agricultural information accessed through mobile phones positively affects maize productivity. The study's findings highlight the important positive contribution that mobile phone agriculture information has had on smallholder farmers in Kilolo District's maize productivity. It is established that both smart and non-smart mobile phones act as a link between farmers and consumers. By fostering informed decision-making, enhancing pest management, and enabling market contact, mobile phone interventions have the potential to greatly improve farmers' livelihoods and increase food security in the region. To maximize the benefits of these interventions and promote sustainable agricultural growth, it will be critical to address the barriers and provide fair and equal access.