The study investigated the use of mobile phones in disseminating information on
agriculture to the farming community of Mashonaland West Province of Zimbabwe, with
a view to improving the coverage gap created by the available initiatives. Relevant
literature on the available and successful mobile phones agricultural information
dissemination platforms were extensively reviewed, taking into consideration the
Mashonaland West Province farmers’ information needs. Formats, channels and
sources currently being used to transmit agricultural information to farmers were
investigated. Barriers to the use of mobile phones in transmitting agricultural information
were as well investigated. Data was gathered on the farmers’ access to mobile phones
and ownership of mobile phones. The survey research methodology was used for data
collection because the research involved a large sample in a widespread geographical
area. Quantitative research approach was used and questionnaires were used for data
collection. The respondents for the study comprised farmers, network providers and
other agricultural stakeholders in the province. A sample of 384 farmers, and 13
network providers and other stakeholders participated in the survey. Quantitative data
was analysed using the the SPSS software while the little qualitative data which was
available was analysed through content analysis. The findings of the study indicated
that farmers in Mashonaland West Province of Zimbabwe were willing to get updates on
agricultural information via cell phones. However, majority of the farmers could not
afford the high mobile data tariffs being charged by network service providers, and the
costs of subscription charged by the available agricultural information dissemination
platforms. The study mainly recommended that the government should establish mobile
phone agricultural information dissemination platforms that can be accessed by farmers
for free or that which will charge affordable rates. The study adds to the existing
knowledge on how mobile phones can be used in disseminating agricultural information
to farmers. / Information Science / D. Inf. (Information Science)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:uir.unisa.ac.za:10500/26909 |
| Date | 11 1900 |
| Creators | Mabika, Benhildah |
| Contributors | Jiyane, G.V., Mugwisi, T. |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | 1 online resource (xi, 183 leaves) : tables, color graphs, application/pdf |
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