Contribution of mobile phones in expanding human capabilities in selected rural districts of Tanzania
| Published date | 02 September 2019 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/GKMC-10-2018-0084 |
| Pages | 491-503 |
| Date | 02 September 2019 |
| Author | Grace E.P. Msoffe,Edda Tandi Lwoga |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science |
Contribution of mobile phones in
expanding human capabilities
in selected rural districts
of Tanzania
Grace E.P. Msoffe
Directorate of Library Services, The University of Dodoma, Dodoma,
United Republic of Tanzania, and
Edda Tandi Lwoga
Department of Mathematics and ICT, College of Business Education,
Dar-es-Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
Abstract
Purpose –This study aims to investigatethe use of mobile phones in enhancing human capabilities and
agricultural development among small-scale farmers in selected rural districts of Tanzania. The study
assessed the potential capabilities acquired by farmers, factors that influence farmers in building their
capabilitiesand achieving development outcomes.
Design/methodology/approach –The study used Sen’s capabilityapproach as a guiding framework to
investigatethe link between mobile phones and agricultural development.A case study design was employed
whereby focusgroup discussions were used to collect data.
Findings –The use of mobile phone services enabled rural farmers to build their financial, human and
social capabilities.Rural farmers faced personal and non-personal conversion factors that influencedthem in
building capabilities and achieving development outcomes. The use of mobile phones led to various
development outcomes. The typical development outcomes were related to access to information and
communication services and reductionof transport costs. Rural farmers experienced family conflicts dueto
protectiveness exercisedby couples through the use of mobile phones, criminal incidencessuch as theft and
the fear ofbeing recorded when making a phone call.
Originality/value –The study findingshave the potential of influencing policy and practice.The findings
are useful in promotingthe value of mobile phones usage in empowering rural farmers and communities.The
telecommunication sector and other key stakeholders can use the study findings in setting the basis for
prioritisingthe improvement of telecommunication infrastructurein the rural areas.
Keywords Mobile phones, Human capabilities, Small scale farmers, Agriculture, Tanzania
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
In sub-Saharan Africa, majority of the population lives in rural areas and depends directly
or indirectly on agriculture (Diao et al.,2007). In Tanzania, agriculture is the engine of
economic growth and a source of farmers’livelihoods. The agricultural sector employs more
than 65 per cent of the total population and accounts for nearly less than a quarter of the
GDP (Central Intelligence Agency, 2018). Therefore, agriculture is an essential activity for
economic development and one of the potentially beneficial areas for the application of
information and communication technologies (ICTs) for development. As information and
communication are recognised as important components of any development activity, they
Contribution of
mobile phones
491
Received12 October 2018
Revised2 February 2019
Accepted5 February 2019
GlobalKnowledge, Memory and
Communication
Vol.68 No. 6/7, 2019
pp. 491-503
© Emerald Publishing Limited
2514-9342
DOI 10.1108/GKMC-10-2018-0084
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