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Determinants of Digital Technologies Use for Agricultural Information Access Among Smallholder Farmers: A Case of Handeni and Muheza Districts, Tanzania

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  • Irene Michael Sanga

    (Department of Policy Planning and Management, College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3015, Morogoro, Tanzania)

  • John Thomas Mgonja

    (Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3015, Morogoro, Tanzania, 2 Department of Tourism and Recreation, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3167, Morogoro, Tanzania)

  • Mawazo Mwita Magesa

    (Department of Informatics and IT, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3038, Morogoro, Tanzania)

Abstract

This study explores the determinants influencing the use of digital technologies to access agricultural information among smallholder farmers in Handeni and Muheza Districts, Tanzania. Despite the agricultural sector's significant contribution to Tanzania’s economy, smallholder farmers continue to face information gaps that hinder productivity. The study employs the Diffusion of Innovations Theory and uses a cross-sectional design, collecting quantitative and qualitative data from 200 respondents through surveys and interviews. Binary logistic regression was used to identify key socio-demographic and infrastructural factors influencing digital technology use. Findings reveal that while farmers generally perceive mobile phones, radio, and social media positively for accessing agricultural information, tools like mobile apps and television are less favored due to complexity and cost. Statistically significant predictors of digital technology use include age (negative association), education level, device ownership, internet access, and electricity access (positive associations). Gender disparities also influence access, with male farmers more likely to engage digitally. The study concludes that targeted interventions especially in digital literacy, infrastructure development, and localized content are essential to bridge the digital divide in rural farming communities.

Suggested Citation

  • Irene Michael Sanga & John Thomas Mgonja & Mawazo Mwita Magesa, 2025. "Determinants of Digital Technologies Use for Agricultural Information Access Among Smallholder Farmers: A Case of Handeni and Muheza Districts, Tanzania," Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development Studies, "Dunarea de Jos" University of Galati, Doctoral Field Engineering and Management in Agriculture and Rural Development, issue 3, pages 81-92.
    • Handle: RePEc:ddj:ejards:y:2025:i:3:p:81-92
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.35219/jards.2025.3.09
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jha, Srijna & Kaechele, Harald & Sieber, Stefan, 2021. "Factors influencing the adoption of agroforestry by smallholder farmer households in Tanzania: Case studies from Morogoro and Dodoma," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 103(C).
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    3. E. M. B. M. Karunathilake & Anh Tuan Le & Seong Heo & Yong Suk Chung & Sheikh Mansoor, 2023. "The Path to Smart Farming: Innovations and Opportunities in Precision Agriculture," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-26, August.
    4. Tianyu Qin & Lijun Wang & Yanxin Zhou & Liyue Guo & Gaoming Jiang & Lei Zhang, 2022. "Digital Technology-and-Services-Driven Sustainable Transformation of Agriculture: Cases of China and the EU," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-16, February.
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