Information and Communication Technology for Rural Farmers Market Access in Tanzania

[Knowledge base]

A study of the ICTs access for rural farmers in Tanzania, Mwakaje (2010), shows that on a survey population with 90% of farmers which own at least one ICT, 25% and 23% of the people used their mobile or a radio to get market information. A regression which explains 45.3% (R²) of the factors determining the use of ICTs to reach market information was made. This regression is positively correlating the increase in production and the use of ICTs for market information. There is also a positive correlation between the income and the use of ICTs, which is logical regarding to the first interpretation, moreover in 2009 the mobile phone penetration rate in Tanzania is “only” 39.9% ITU (2011).

For more information see: Mwakaje (2010), Information and Communication Technology for Rural Farmers Market Access in Tanzania, Journal of Information Technology Impact Vol. 10, No. 2, pp. 111-128, 1 University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

 Paper available here: http://www.jiti.com/v10/jiti.v10n2.111-128.pdf