Design and evaluate a mobile-based extension service for smallholder rice farmers

Thesis Abstract

The proliferation of mobile technology offers significant potential to transform agricultural extension services, particularly for smallholder rice farmers who often face barriers such as limited access to traditional extension agents, information asymmetries, and infrastructural challenges. This study addresses the critical need for innovative, scalable, and accessible information dissemination channels by designing and evaluating a mobile-based extension service tailored specifically for smallholder rice farmers. The primary aim is to enhance farmers’ access to timely, relevant, and accurate agronomic information, thereby improving productivity, adoption of sustainable practices, and farmers’ overall socioeconomic status. The research is guided by objectives to (1) develop a user-centered mobile extension platform, (2) assess its usability and acceptability among rice farmers, (3) evaluate its impact on farmers’ knowledge, practices, and productivity, and (4) provide policy recommendations for scaling digital extension services in rice-producing regions. The study employs a mixed-methods research design comprising quantitative and qualitative approaches to ensure comprehensive insights. The target population consists of 600 smallholder rice farmers in the River Delta region, selected through stratified random sampling to capture diverse agro-ecological zones and socio-economic backgrounds. Data collection instruments include structured questionnaires, focus group discussion guides, and in-depth interview protocols, validated through expert review and pre-testing to ensure reliability and content validity. Quantitative data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and multiple regression analysis to ascertain the relationship between mobile platform usage and farmers’ knowledge and productivity. Qualitative data from focus groups and interviews will be thematically analyzed to explore user experiences, perceived benefits, and barriers to adoption. The expected findings indicate that the mobile-based extension service significantly improves rice farmers' access to agronomic information, resulting in increased knowledge of best practices, higher adoption rates of recommended technologies, and measurable gains in crop yields by an estimated 15-20%. The study anticipates identifying key factors that influence technology acceptance, such as digital literacy, trust in information sources, and infrastructural support. Furthermore, the findings are expected to demonstrate that the mobile platform is highly acceptable and usable among diverse farmer groups, with particular benefits observed among smallholders with limited formal education. Insights into barriers and facilitators of adoption will inform strategies for sustainable scaling and integration of digital extension services within existing agricultural support frameworks. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing empirical evidence on the effectiveness of mobile technology interventions tailored to smallholder rice farmers, grounded in Rogers' Diffusion of Innovations theory and the Technology Acceptance Model. It advances understanding of how digital platforms can complement traditional extension methods to enhance agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods. The research also offers pragmatic insights for policymakers, extension practitioners, and development agencies seeking to leverage mobile tools for agricultural transformation. The main conclusion underscores that well-designed, contextually relevant mobile extension services can substantially enhance information flows, farmer engagement, and productivity among smallholder rice farmers. Based on the findings, recommendations include scaling the mobile platform through public-private partnerships, investing in digital literacy programs, and integrating mobile-based services into national agricultural extension policies. Future research should explore long-term impacts on household income and food security, as well as adaptations for other crops and diverse farming systems, to broaden the scope and sustainability of digital extension initiatives.