Mobile phones in agricultural information delivery for rural development in Eastern Africa: lessons from western Uganda

Abstract

Information is a key component in improving smallholder agricultural production and linkages to remunerative markets, thus improve rural livelihoods, food security and national economies. The dynamics of using phones among farmers linking them to market outlets and other service providers are discussed. . The paper isolate strength, weakness and threats while analysing insights associated with results patterns. The findings showed that rural communities appreciated the use of phone as easy, fast and convenient way to communicate. Phone usage was accompanied by positive outcomes and opened opportunities like strong collective action among social groups for effective natural resource management