Incorporation of Telecommunications Technologies into Agricultural Market Information Systems: A Comparative Analysis of Ghana and Tanzania

Abstract

AbstractThis paper presents a comparison of the level of application of telecommunications technologies to agricultural market information systems in Ghana and Tanzania. The data on economic indicators related to telecommunications services used in this comparative analysis was provided by the statistics division of the United Nations. The review reveals that even though both Ghana and Tanzania are developing nations, Ghana is significantly ahead of Tanzania in the provision of information and communications technology (ICT) facilities that support operations of agricultural market information systems. However, low‐income smallholder farmers of both countries still need more access to ICT facilities for them to exploit fully the services offered by ICT‐based agricultural market information systems. Both countries also need to promote participation of the private sector for establishment of economically sustainable market information services. Recommendations drawn from this analysis do not only apply to Ghana and Tanzania but also to other developing countries in Sub‐Saharan Africa.