Uses of Mobile Phones in Agriculture-based Small and Medium Enterprises in Ulanga District, Tanzania

Abstract

This study examined the uses oj mobile telephony in agriculture-based Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Ulanga district, Tanzania. Specifically, the study examined the innovative uses oj mobile telephony and established the contribution oj mobile phones to the perJormance oj agriculture-based SMEs. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to obtain a sample oj J 04 SME owners for a questionnaire-based survey and 40 Jocus group participants. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using SPSS programme and content analysis respectively. The study findings indicate that most SME owners were 40 years or younger with almost an equal number oj males andJemales. Nearly all SME owners had formal education with about half having primary education. Expenditure on mobile phones per day was generally high for rural settings. Innovative uses oj mobile phones included beeping and usage oj applications such as loudspeakers, cameras and voice recording. The use oj mobile phones in agriculture-based SMEs had enhanced customer and managerial satisJaction; increased revenue, number oj customers, access to markets and sales volume; and improved operation efficiency. It is concluded that the use oj mobile phones had enhanced the perJormance oj agriculture-based SMEs. While beeping is used to cut down communication costs, mobile phone applications such as loudspeaker, voice recording and cameras are used innovatively for decision making and record oj events. It is recommended that mobile service providers continue devising more useJul applications and services that can enhance the perJormance oj businesses. Meanwhile, entrepreneurs should beproactive in using mobile telephony services to enhance their business.