Farmers’ awareness and use of mobile phones in the management of banana xanthomonas wilt disease in Uganda

Abstract

Mobile phone technology awareness and use in developing countries, Uganda inclusive, is growing at a faster rate in many sectors, including Agriculture. Mobile phone usage has enhanced information flow to the rural communities for the advancement of agriculture. A survey was conducted in four bananagrowing districts of Uganda, representing the western region (Isingiro and Mitooma Districts) and the central region (Luwero and Mukono Districts), to assess the extent of awareness and use of mobile phone applications by smallholder banana growers. Data were collected using a questionnaire from 144 farmers representing 144 households. Most of the farmers (66.7%) were aware of mobile phone applications used for accessing agricultural information, although the percentage of farmers (25.7%) using mobile phones to access information for banana Xanthomonas disease management was low. Many factors determined mobile phone use, but banana plantation size, education level, and constraints encountered in the use of mobile phones were the most significant. The leading challenges encountered by farmers using mobile phones for accessing agricultural information were identified as a lack of smartphones, limited knowledge and skills, and poor network connection. We recommend the creation of awareness about mobile phone applications and their use in farming communities by both public and private agricultural extension and advisory service providers.