Assessing Mobile-Based Soil Health Advisory Systems' Impact on Smallholder Farmers

Thesis Abstract

The rapid proliferation of mobile technology among smallholder farmers in developing regions has presented new opportunities for improving soil management practices through digital advisory services. However, there remains limited empirical understanding of how mobile-based soil health advisory systems influence farmers’ decision-making, input management, and overall productivity. This study aims to assess the impact of such systems on smallholder farmers’ soil management behaviors, crop yields, and socioeconomic well-being, with particular focus on smallholder maize farmers in the Eastern Province. The specific objectives are to evaluate the adoption rate of mobile soil advisory services, determine the effect on farmers’ knowledge and practices, analyze the relationship between advisory system usage and crop productivity, and identify barriers to effective utilization. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study integrates quantitative survey data with qualitative insights to provide a comprehensive assessment. The population comprises 2,000 smallholder maize farmers registered within the mobile advisory platform network, from whom a stratified random sample of 400 farmers was drawn to ensure representativeness across age, gender, and farm size. Data collection involved structured questionnaires for quantitative analysis, focusing on farmers’ demographic characteristics, frequency of mobile advisory service use, soil management practices, and crop yields, complemented by in-depth interviews with 20 key informants, including extension agents and platform developers, to explore contextual factors. The quantitative data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression models to examine the relationships between mobile advisory usage and farm productivity. The qualitative data underwent thematic analysis, guided by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Diffusion of Innovations theory, to understand the psychological and social factors influencing adoption behaviors. Validity and reliability of instruments were established through pilot testing and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients exceeding 0.8. Preliminary expected findings indicate a positive correlation between mobile soil advisory system usage and farmers’ soil management knowledge, leading to significant improvements in soil fertility and maize yields. The study anticipates identifying key adoption barriers, such as limited digital literacy and infrastructural constraints, which hinder optimal system utilization. Additionally, the findings are expected to reveal that farmers with higher education levels and greater access to extension services are more likely to effectively utilize mobile advisories, aligning with theoretical insights from TAM and Diffusion of Innovations. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing empirical evidence on the effectiveness of ICT-driven soil management interventions in smallholder contexts and offering a nuanced understanding of the behavioral factors influencing their adoption. It advances theoretical understanding by integrating behavioral frameworks within the agricultural extension domain and offers practical insights for policymakers, development agencies, and platform developers seeking to optimize mobile-based advisory services. In conclusion, the study underscores the transformative potential of mobile soil health advisory systems for sustainable agricultural intensification but highlights the need for targeted capacity-building initiatives, infrastructural improvements, and awareness campaigns to enhance adoption. The recommendations include integrating digital literacy training into extension programs, expanding network coverage, and tailoring content to local contexts. Future research should explore long-term impacts and scalability, with a focus on developing innovative participatory approaches to enhance farmer engagement and system integration.