Evaluating Mobile App Use to Enhance Farmers’ Agricultural Knowledge and Skills

Thesis Abstract

In the context of increasing agricultural productivity and sustainable development, the integration of digital technologies, particularly mobile applications, presents a promising avenue for enhancing farmers’ agricultural knowledge and skills. Despite widespread mobile phone penetration in rural farming communities, there remains limited empirical evidence on the effectiveness of mobile app interventions in improving farmers’ knowledge, adoption of best practices, and overall productivity. This study aims to evaluate the extent to which mobile applications contribute to farmers’ learning outcomes and skill acquisition in crop and pest management, soil fertility improvement, and market access strategies. The specific objectives are to assess farmers’ perceptions of mobile app usability, measure changes in their agricultural knowledge and skills after app use, and identify factors influencing effective adoption of mobile app technology. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study integrates quantitative and qualitative approaches to yield a comprehensive understanding of mobile app effectiveness. The quantitative component involves a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design, targeting farmers from 10 randomly selected rural communities, with a total sample of 200 farmers divided evenly into experimental and control groups. The qualitative component comprises focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with 30 farmers, app developers, and agricultural extension officers to explore contextual factors and user experiences. Data collection instruments include structured questionnaires to evaluate knowledge and skills levels, usability and satisfaction surveys, and interview guides. Validity and reliability of the instruments are established through expert reviews and pilot testing, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients exceeding 0.8 for key scales. Data analysis entails descriptive statistics to summarize demographic characteristics and app usage patterns, paired sample t-tests to compare pre- and post-intervention knowledge and skills scores, and multiple regression analysis to identify predictors of successful app adoption. Thematic analysis is employed to interpret qualitative data, revealing contextual insights into user experiences and barriers. The conceptual framework draws on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Diffusion of Innovations theory, providing a basis for understanding factors influencing mobile app acceptance and sustained use among farmers. Expected findings suggest that farmers who actively engage with the mobile app demonstrate statistically significant improvements in agricultural knowledge and practical skills compared to control groups. The study anticipates to find that perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and contextual factors such as literacy levels and internet connectivity significantly influence mobile app adoption. Additionally, the research is expected to identify specific features of the app that facilitate skill development and knowledge retention. The study contributes to existing literature by providing empirical evidence of mobile app effectiveness within a rural agricultural context, extending the theoretical application of TAM and Diffusion of Innovations in rural technology adoption. It highlights critical determinants of successful digital integration in agriculture and underscores the importance of user-centered design and contextual customization in mobile app development for farmers. In conclusion, the findings will inform policymakers, agricultural extension services, and app developers on best practices for designing and disseminating mobile technological solutions aimed at enhancing farmers’ knowledge and skills. Recommendations include strategies for improving app usability, increasing digital literacy, and strengthening support systems for technology adoption. The study emphasizes that mobile applications, when effectively tailored and promoted, have the potential to significantly improve agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods, contributing to sustainable development goals. Future research avenues include longitudinal studies of app sustainability and scalability across diverse agricultural settings.