Factors influencing the use of mobile phone for accessing agricultural marketing information by grape smallholder farmers in Tanzania

Abstract

Abstract: Grape farming is a significant part of agricultural production in the central region of Dodoma and contributes tremendously to improving the livelihood of farmers. Smallholder farmers in Tanzania have been encouraged to use mobile phones for agricultural purposes. Regrettably, the involvement does not replicate how the use of mobile phones influences access to agricultural marketing information. It is, therefore, imperatively important to examine factors influencing the use of mobile phones for accessing agricultural marketing information by grape smallholder farmers in Dodoma. The study used a descriptive cross-sectional research design and a sample size of 400 grape smallholder farmers. A well-structured questionnaire and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were employed to solicit primary data. Descriptive, binary logistic regression, and thematic approaches aided data analysis. The most commonly accessed agricultural marketing information were buyers and price information. Socio-demographic factors such as sex, age, marital status, and education influenced the use of mobile phones for accessing agricultural marketing information by grape smallholder farmers. The study therefore, recommends that training programs be tailored to creating more knowledge on the use of mobile phones for accessing agricultural marketing information