This research article published by Indian Society for Education and Environment, 2021
Objectives: This paper report the potential of online mobile phone-based
platforms in fast-tracking access of agricultural information to farmers, with
a case study of Arusha, Tanzania. Method: We used the questionnaire-based
and focus group discussion methods and a total of 156 respondents were
randomly selected for data collection. Findings: The results showed that
77.6% of respondents possess smartphones and 32.7% of them use internet based platforms to search for agriculture information which usually is not
applicable or specific in their local Arusha context. Such finding raised a need
for developing internet-based platform for accessing agricultural information
by farmers for use in their local context. Thus, the same respondents
were assessed for their readiness to use a mobile-based agricultural app if
developed. The results indicated that 80% of the respondents were willing and
would use the app. Novelty: The paper demonstrated how mobile phone based apps can be used to quicken accessibility of agricultural information in
a local-based, context-specific location.