Farmer knowledge and the intention to use smartphone-based information management technologies in Uganda

Interest in using smartphone-based technologies for farm management is growing. However, existing research does not adequately address the effect of farmer knowledge and awareness in their intention to use such technologies. The aim of the present study is to identify the main factors that influence farmer intention to use a Farm Management Smartphone App (FMSA), with an emphasis on farmer knowledge. Ugandan dairy cattle farmers (n = 206) were interviewed before and after a training session that focused on the use of FMSA. The resulting data included farmer socio-demographics, data on their knowledge about the use of smartphones and related applications, and constructs of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) extended with selfefficacy. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine the determinants of intention to use the FMSA. Farmer intention to use is mainly determined by self-efficacy, facilitating conditions and performance expectancy before exposure to the App. In contrast, the influence of effort expectancy and social influence only emerged after completing the training. FMSA and similar technologies should therefore be as user-friendly as possible to sustain the farmers' intention to use an App. Promotional strategies should be designed to target specific characteristics of intended users.

Automated summary

There is a growing interest in smartphone-based technologies for farm management. However, existing research does not adequately address the impact of farmer knowledge and awareness on their intention to use such technologies. The aim of this study is to identify the main factors that influence farmer intention to use a Farm Management Smartphone App (FMSA), with a focus on farmer knowledge.