Dissertation (MSc Computer Science)
The study has intended to investigate the application of mobile phones in information dissemination regarding pests control and diseases management for vegetable crops with a consideration of tomatoes productions in Kilolo district. The study aimed at bridging the gap that exists between farmers and agricultural officers. The study involved two wards, and was mainly qualitative supported by quantitative research paradigms to collect and analyse data from tomato farmers, ICT expertise and agricultural officer. The study revealed that, pests and diseases were the main causative of low tomato harvest. Lack of proper means of information dissemination between farmers and agricultural officers; caused the damage to be even enormous as farmers searched help from other farmer by visiting each other‟s unaffected farms instead of using interactive mobile phones application as they proposed. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews and documentary reviews and analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively with the support of Statistical Package of Social Sciences. The collected data, acted as system requirements for designing, developing and testing of ToMatoApp mobile phones application system. ToMatoApp was developed by using waterfall model methodology. System modules were developed and tested by using android studio emulator and smart phones.
Mobile phones have potential roles in information dissemination on pests control and diseases management for tomatoes production. However, there is a need of mutual co-operation between the government, agricultural stakeholders, ICT experts and tomato farmers to increase tomato production, quality and livelihood of farmers