Role of Mobile-Based SMS in Agricultural Information Dissemination: A Case Study of Kordofan and Sinnar States, Sudan

Background and Objective: Technology plays a pivotal role in disseminating information where farmers can receive updated information via Short Message Services (SMS). This research was conducted from 2020 to 2023 while implementing the Integrated Agriculture and Marketing Development Project (IAMDP) activities in North, West, South, and Sinnar States, Sudan. The objective of this research was to investigate the effectiveness of mobile-based SMS technology in the dissemination of farm-related information to smallholder farmers. Moreover, to understand the extent of use of SMS information; and how best the technology be promoted. Materials and Methods: Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and group discussion involving 97 communities by a purposive selection method, characterized by network services availability. Additionally, interviews were conducted in each community where on average 5 respondents were interviewed per community. Results were analyzed using a T-test, Chi-square test, and correlation at a significant level of (p<0.05). Results: It revealed that the majority of respondents (91.8%) accessed, read, and benefited from the SMS. As high as 84.4 and 70.1% of respondents showed interest in joining SMS and WhatsApp groups respectively. The Chi-square test showed a highly significant association (p≤0.000) between the distance of the states from the call center and active mobile numbers. A highly significant association (p≤0.000) between the status of benefiting from the SMS and reading SMS was detected. There was also a highly significant association (p≤0.000) between the participants’ interest to continue receiving the message and the status of benefiting from the SMS. Conclusion: The study concluded that SMS successfully achieved its objectives and is promised to be adopted in all the states provided strengthening the network to secure wide dissemination and immediate access by farmers is done. Moreover, the SMS system is promised and it supports extension and agriculture development.