The Impact of Mobile Phones on the Life of Farmers in Lebanon

Abstract

Lebanon, one of the smallest Middle Eastern countries has a large percentage of mobile line subscribers. The majority of Lebanese farmers lives and works in the Bekaa valley, where the number of fixed phone lines is very low and of very limited supply. This paper attempts to study the impact of mobile phones on the life of farmers in the Bekaa valley of Lebanon. It aims to identify areas where the mobile phone has positive impact on farmers' life, family, friends, work, finance, and health, and areas where the mobile phone has negative impact. The results show that more than 37 percent of farmers own a mobile phone. The most used way to contact people by mobile phone is through the use of the missed call followed by the SMS and to a less extent by making a call. The benefits of having a mobile phone are improved work, better income, improved family and social ties, more freedom and independence, better health and better finance. High cost and accessibility were the two major drawbacks. While the benefits of having a mobile phone outweigh the drawbacks, telecommunication companies in the area should expand their services to low income communities, improve coverage, and reduce cost.