Has mobile phone technology aided the growth of agricultural productivity in sub-Saharan Africa?

Abstract

<p><b>Background:</b> A recent increase in the adoption of mobile phone technology generated a great deal of interest and optimism regarding its effect on economic development in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), particularly on the enhancement of agricultural development.</p> <p><b>Aim:</b> In this study the impact of mobile phone technology on agricultural productivity in SSA is examined.</p> <p><b>Setting:</b> The empirical assessment uses a panel data set covering 41 countries over a period of 25 years.</p> <p><b>Methods:</b> We employed an econometric approach and panel data covering 41 countries and a 25 year-period (1990–2014) to investigate the effect of the adoption of mobile phone technology and other socio-economic variables on agricultural total factor productivity (TFP). The use of regression analyses allowed us to estimate and measure the contribution of certain variables to agricultural TFP growth in SSA. </p> <p><b>Results:</b> The results show that the uptake of mobile phone technology had a positive effect on agricultural TFP growth in SSA.</p> <p><b>Conclusion:</b> Mobile phone technology has been established to be one of the drivers of agricultural productivity in SSA.</p> <p><b>Implication:</b> The implications of this study are that governments, NGOs, and businesses working on improving agricultural productivity and food security in SSA need to continue endorsing mobile technology as a means to improve agricultural productivity.</p>