Gender perception towards the use of mobile phones for accessing information on agriculture in Binga, Zimbabwe

Abstract

In many African communities, gender disparities exist in how farmers access and use mobile phones for agricultural communication. Women in these communities often have limited access to mobile phones, despite playing a significant role in today's information-driven agriculture. This highlights the need for increased efforts to improve women’s access to mobile technologies for agricultural purposes. Currently, no research has been conducted on gender-based mobile phone use for agricultural communication in Zimbabwe. This study aimed to compare mobile phone use among male and female farmers in the Binga District, Zimbabwe. The modified Rural Technology Acceptance Model served as the study's theoretical framework. Using a mixed-methods approach guided by pragmatic epistemology, the research aimed to generate practical knowledge to address real-world issues related to gender disparities in mobile phone use for agricultural communication in Binga. This approach helped researchers develop strategies to address challenges farmers face in using mobile phones. The survey covered 1659 households in the Lubu and Kariyangwe communities. Chi-square tests examined relationships between variables. Results showed that more women than men enjoyed using mobile phones and found them helpful for agricultural communication, whereas more men than women found mobile phones easy to use for this purpose. Additionally, behavioral intention to use mobile phones for agrarian communication was higher among women. The challenges women face in accessing these technologies highlight the need for increased investment in public-private initiatives to expand access in rural areas. Such programs should include training to improve women's skills in using mobile phones for agricultural information. Furthermore, reducing data costs or providing subsidized data and text services for rural farmers was also suggested