The Influence of Mobile Phone-Based Agricultural Information Platforms on Access to Extension Services: A Case of M-Kilimo in Dodoma, Tanzania

Access to agricultural extension services is crucial for increasing the uptake of new technologies, farm productivity, and sustainable farming practices. Due to a shortage of agricultural officers, access to extension services remained low. As a result, there has been a proliferation of digital agricultural information platforms aimed to enhance access to extension services and market information. This study uncovers crucial insights into the influence of mobile phone-based agricultural information platforms, particularly the government-initiated Mobile Agriculture (M-Kilimo) platform, on smallholder farmers' access to extension services. In particular, the study delves into awareness and usage of the M-Kilimo platform, access to extension services and inputs, and challenges for using the M-Kilimo platform in accessing agricultural information and advisory services in rural areas. The study uses a sample of 133 smallholder farmers who are registered on MKilimo and 143 other farmers from Mpwapwa and Bahi Districts in Dodoma, Tanzania. Findings highlight smallholder farmers were unaware of or unable to use the M-Kilimo platform. Access to extension services and improved inputs through M-Kilimo was low. Key challenges for access to the M-Kilimo platform included digital literacy, availability of accurate information regarding digital technologies, reliability of the service, and poor network connectivity. The study underscores the crucial role of awareness and training programs to increase the uptake of digital agricultural information systems. Additionally, the study recommends a participatory design of digital agricultural information systems, where smallholder farmers can express their needs and abilities to use the digital systems.