Use of mobile phones for market accessibility and price transparency among smallholder farmers in Tanzania: A case of Mbarali District

This study examines the impact of mobile phone use on market accessibility and price transparency among smallholder farmers in Mbarali District, Tanzania. In rural areas where agriculture is the primary livelihood, farmers often face challenges such as limited access to market information, fluctuating prices, and reliance on intermediaries. The widespread adoption of mobile phones has emerged as a crucial tool for overcoming these barriers. By leveraging mobile-based services like SMS price notifications and mobile applications, farmers gain real-time information on market prices, weather forecasts, and agricultural advice, enabling them to make informed decisions and reduce dependence on middlemen. Additionally, mobile phones facilitate mobile banking and mobile money services, enhancing financial inclusion through efficient transactions and faster payments. The research, combining qualitative and quantitative data, reveals that mobile phone technology improves market efficiency, increases farmers' bargaining power, and contributes to better income stability. Improved access to financial services also allows farmers to manage their finances more effectively. The findings explore the transformative role of mobile phones in the agricultural sector, suggesting that further expansion of mobile technology and services can foster agricultural growth, improve livelihoods, and promote equitable market access, contributing to sustainable rural development in Tanzania.