The use of cell phones in sharing market information among beef cattle smallholders in Mpwapwa District, Tanzania
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Date
2015-06
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Abstract
This study sought to establish the role of cell phones in communication and
dissemination of market information for beef cattle smallholders in Alpwapwa
District, Tanzania. The study also identified the existing channels related to
beef cattle market information for smallholders. A .sample of 120 respondents,
four
focus groups of discussants and 12 key informants were interviewed.
Data wen.' collected using a structured questionnaire from the 120
respondents, a focus group discussion guide and a guide JOr key informant.
The questionnaire-based data were analvfed using the .tati.s.tical Package .for
Social Sciences where descrimi•e statistics, and inferential (117C111'SiS using ('hi
square (7) lest. The findings reveal that the majority of respondents possessed
and used cell phones in sharing market inliirmation. This Method 117/S
complemented by ,fac.e-toT face interaction and using annual auctions calendar
channels'. The ('hi-square (7,- ) test showed positive significant association
between access to beef cattle market information via cell phones and
awareness of market prices exploration: also between sales volumes demands
and high beef Cattle grades applicable in the market. From these findings, it IS
concluded that cell phone iech1701eg1' is one of innovative communication
pathways that can improve traditional communication channels. llowever, the
effective use of cell phones was constrained by major problems, which were
established to be; limited availability of electricity,fOr charging the phones and
lack of reliable source' of market information. It is' therefOre recommended
that the government should increase availabilit of power in rural areas...from
various sources including solar enem ' gy and from the ,Vational grid to facilitate
effective use of cell phones. Also, livestock information units should be
established at the ward and village levels for easy access to reliable livestock
information.
Description
Journal of continuing education and extension, 2015; 6(1):806-825
Keywords
Cell phones, Communication, Market information, Beef cattle