In recent years user acceptance of a new technology has become of much interest. One of the most outstanding global problems facing Africa is the digital divide. However, the use and adoption of mobile phones is reducing the digital divide in Africa. In view of the role that mobile phones play in bridging the digital divide in Africa, this study extends the applicability of the technology acceptance model (TAM), without altering its parsimony and information technology focus, in mobile phone adoption. This paper extends the TAM model by adding two new constructs, perceived advantage and socioeconomic characteristics. Consequently, the extended TAM was applied to adoption of mobile phones in farming communities in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study relies on a sample from 300 dairy farmers in Uganda which was analysed using structural equation modelling. Theoretically, it contributes to the limited literature on mobile phone adoption in agri-food sector in Sub-Saharan Africa and provides empirical evidence from Ugandan farmers. The research contributes to promoting mobile phone usage in farming communities beyond just normal communication. The research also has a strong practical implication for farmers as well as other stakeholders from the agri-food sector.
Food storage at the national or global level is important due to its multifunctional roles of enhancing food access, nutrition, and income security at the national, community and household levels. This study assesses the importance of food storage structures and their utilization by farmers cultivating finger millet (Eleusine coracana) and common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) in Apac and Arua districts, Northern Uganda. The study encompassed a total sample of 782 households producing finger millet and/or beans (388 of which were below and 394 above the poverty line). A binary probit regression analysis was used to identify the factors influencing the household use of improved storage structures.The findings indicated that only 22% of households used improved storage structures and that usage depended on the age of the household a * Corresponding author: Charles Owach, Food and Agriculture
This paper analyses the state of the art research on food market integration, classifies it and provides a comprehensive bibliography for researchers with interest in market integration. A thorough review of literature published between 1990 and 2014 on food market integration generated 65 articles for in-depth analysis. Findings show that the majority of research has concentrated relatively more on identifying the degree of linkages among the markets but not on its implications. The paper also identifies the following factors as very important in increasing/decreasing the degree of market integration: physical infrastructure, market institutions, information, competition, market power, trade, social capital, public/government intervention and export restrictions/ban. The paper further identifies several areas for future research.
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