Use of Mobile Phone Applications by Farmers in North West Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated extent of use of mobile phone applications among farmers in North-West Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 385 respondents for the study. Data were collected through the use of pre-tested structured questionnaire and summarized using frequency counts, percentages, mean and standard deviation. The Tobit regression model was used for inferential deductions. The results show that the majority (96%) owned a mobile phone; awareness of the call app and SMS app were100% and 97% respectively; while all other mobile phone apps recorded very low awareness and use. The prominent call and SMS mobile phone apps were used to contact family members and friends, respectively; whereas only 70% used call app to facilitate the purchase of farm input and 65% used it to get market-related information. Tobit regression analysis results showed that years of farming experience, awareness and knowledge of apps usage positively influenced the use of the mobile app. Farmers' awareness of mobile apps was low and they minimally used these apps for farming activities. Agricultural extension agencies and other relevant stakeholders should facilitate avenues to encourage the use of mobile phone apps for agricultural purposes among farmers and be circumspect in the bang-wagon effect of eextension approaches.

Keywords: Mobile phone, Awareness, Phone apps.