The use of mobile phones in agricultural extension delivery in the eastern region, Ghana Agricultural Economics and Extension

Abstract

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture has adopted mobile phone for extension delivery. However, much was unknown the competencies and frequency of mobile phone use by farmers and extension agents. The study used descriptive correlation design to assess mobile phone use in agricultural extension delivery in Eastern Region, Ghana. Multi-stage sampling and structured interview schedule were used to collect data from 95 AEAs and 330 farmers. Statistical tools such as frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviation, correlation coefficients, T-test and stepwise multiple linear regression were used to analysis the data. The study revealed that socioeconomic, mobile phone background characteristics of farmers and AEAs relate to frequent use of mobile phone for extension delivery. Farmers and AEAs use voice call mobile phone application but differently in extension delivery. Differences exist between AEAs and farmers’ competency in the use of mobile phone. While amount of money spent per week and quality of network reception are important factors that influence the frequent use of mobile phone by farmers that of AEAs include type of phone, income, and age. High call tariffs and access to recharge credit were main challenges to using mobile phone for extension. The study recommends among others the need for MoFA to provide training on the use of mobile phone applications and incentives for farmers and AEAs to use mobile phone.Furthermore, more youthful AEAs and females should be recruited as AEAs.