An Assessment of the effects of mobile phone usage on maize profitability among communal farmers in Mashonaland East

Author

Kawonza, T. P.

Title

An Assessment of the effects of mobile phone usage on maize profitability among communal farmers in Mashonaland East

Abstract

Maize production is essential for boosting food security and uplifting the well the being of agricultural communities in Zimbabwe. Unfortunately, farmers in Mashonaland East Province encountered difficulties in achieving maximum maize profitability.The main goal of this study is to assess the effects of mobile phone usage on maize profitability among communal farmers in Mashonaland East Province. The study addressed three specific objectives, to identify major mobile phone services utilized by communal maize farmers, to determine the effect of mobile phone use on maize profitability, and to evaluate obstacles encountered by farmers when using mobile phone for maize farming. The study employed original data. Data were gathered through structured questionnaires administered to 160 randomly selected communal farmers in the study area. The data were examined using a combination of regression analysis, SWOT analysis and regression analysis.The study established that female farmers (55%) were more involved in maize production than male farmers (45%). The study also revealed that most farmers accessed weather updates, market information and mobile money services through their mobile phones. The regression analysis indicated a limited direct correlation between mobile phone usage and maize profitability. However, family size and cattle ownership were found to be significant positive predictors of maize profitability. Constraints to mobile phone usage included poor network coverage, high data costs, and limited training opportunities. Insufficient access to reliable mobile services was a major challenge affecting communal farmers Mashonaland East Province.The research suggested that investments in rural telecommunications infrastructure and digital literacy programs should be prioritized. Furthermore, affordable data plans and accessible mobile agricultural services need to be availed to small scale farmers.

Date

OCTOBER 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

mobile phone usage

Maize Profitability

Communal Farmers

Regression Analysis

Agricultural Development

Supervisor

Dr. E. Zivenge