Role of mobile phones on rural livelihood assets in Wamakko local government are of Sokoto State, Nigeria

The study examined the role of mobile phones on rural livelihood assets in Wamakko Local Government Area (LGA) of Sokoto State. Sixty-three Mobile Phone Users (MPUs) and Non Users (NUs) each were sampled for the study. Data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaire designed and administered to both MPUs and NUs. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed that majority of the respondents were male, married and within the age range of 20-39 years. Most of the MPUs and NUs had secondary education. The MPUs had their income within the range of N385,000 and above, while the NUs had theirs within N105,000-N174,900. The result also revealed that majority (50.8%) of the MPUs started using mobile phone at least 1 year. The MPUs spend between N200 and N399 per week on airtime and acquired their mobile phones at a price less than N6000. They had only one mobile phone and used it mainly for making and receiving calls. Chi square analysis showed that durable products (p< 0.1), possession of labour skill (p< 0.5), income (p<0.01), and social network (p<0.01) were significantly related to mobile phone use. Similarly, income (p<0.01) and membership of cooperative society (p< 0.1) were significantly related to mobile phone use. The Agricultural Transformation Agenda of the Federal Government identified as a constraint the limited awareness of the use of improved seed, coupled with poor distribution channels, poor seed quality and adulteration of seed. Mobile phone use is therefore an alternative means of transfer of agricultural information to farmers. It also makes it possible for farmers to make direct enquiry concerning innovations. It was concluded that mobile phone is an important tool for improving rural livelihoods.