An Investigation Into Mobile Phone-based Information Seeking Processes of Smallholder Farmers and the Use of Information on Maize Fertilizer Subsidy: the Case of Endebess Sub-county, Trans Nzoia County

Abstract

The government of Kenya introduced subsidy to enable smallholder farmers access to high quality fertilizers as most could not afford fertilizer at market price from traders. However, access to subsidized fertilizer has been low. This is partly because of reducing numbers of agricultural extension officers, hence information has not been reaching farmers in a timely manner and in adequate quantities, among other qualities of information. Mobile phones are being adopted to extend extension services, since they enable extension officers to reach more farmers, even in remote areas. The phones are to reach farmers with information on subsidized fertilizers in terms of when they can be paid for, when they can be collected, price, types and maximum quantities allowed for purchase, among others. Information on timing is very important to ensure access by the targeted smallholder farmers as government supply is not always enough hence these farmers should access it before large scale farmers who are more able to buy from traders at market price. Still access to subsidized fertilizers is not at the desired level. This study sought to increase knowledge on how this process of sharing information has worked out and how to improve access to information with the desired characteristics to meet the farmers' information needs on subsidized fertilizers. As well as knowledge of the effects of access to and use of information as currently is, on access to subsidized fertilizers. This study used mixed methods, with quantitative data collected from a survey on 120 farmers and qualitative data collected using Key Informant Interviews (KII) from 5 extension officers and 15 farmers. Sampling was stratified and purposive. Qualitative data was collected using a structured questionnaire while qualitative data was collected using KII guides. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis whereas quantitative data was analyzed using frequencies, percentages, cross tabulation and pair wise association analysis. An overwhelming majority of the farmers know their information needs, seek them and consider them necessary and important. 54% of the farmers said their needs are addressed through mobile phones to a great extent and another 37% to a moderate extent. The most used information sources are extension officers and peer farmers in a face to face mode as well as by phone call and texting. Followed by use of multiple sources. Phone calls are preferred the most, followed by texting, and then use of internet based sources. Mobile phone based information search strategies have low percentages of active use, 55% of the farmers and lower. It was also realized that the elements of information seeking processes of information sources, seeking strategies and qualities of received information each has a strong influence on information use. Gender, age and level of education also influence the elements of information seeking processes. Farmers are less affected by price of subsidized fertilizers and cost of accessing the information, and more by inadequate supply of subsidized fertilizer at the depots, untimely messages and unawareness of information services. Needs analysis for each context or situation is needed to inform a program for information dissemination. Informal networks of trust can be employed more since they are trusted and mostly lead to timely, complete and appropriate information for farmers from sources in the locality. Innovative ways of involving peer farmers can be used e.g. requesting farmers to form themselves into groups in order to register for subsidized fertilizers together and share information, and use of lead or model farmers. Extension agents can be provided with airtime and internet bundles for which they regularly provide details of farmers contacted with information on subsidies, to make it useful.