Use of mobile phones for market accessibility and price transparency among smallholder farmers in Tanzania: A case of Mbarali District

Abstract

This study examines the impact of mobile phone use on
market accessibility and price transparency among
smallholder farmers in Mbarali District, Tanzania. In
rural areas where agriculture is the primary
livelihood, farmers often face challenges such as
limited access to market information, fluctuating
prices, and reliance on intermediaries. The
widespread adoption of mobile phones has emerged as
a crucial tool for overcoming these barriers. By
leveraging mobile-based services like SMS price
notifications and mobile applications, farmers gain
real-time information on market prices, weather
forecasts, and agricultural advice, enabling them to
make informed decisions and reduce dependence on
middlemen. Additionally, mobile phones facilitate
mobile banking and mobile money services, enhancing
financial inclusion through efficient transactions and
faster payments. The research, combining qualitative
and quantitative data, reveals that mobile phone
technology improves market efficiency, increases
farmers' bargaining power, and contributes to better
income stability. Improved access to financial services
also allows farmers to manage their finances more
effectively. The findings explore the transformative
role of mobile phones in the agricultural sector,
suggesting that further expansion of mobile
technology and services can foster agricultural
growth, improve livelihoods, and promote equitable
market access, contributing to sustainable rural
development in Tanzania.