ICT Adoption and Access Among Small-Scale Tea Growers in Rungwe, Tanzania

Abstract

Tanzania is known for its high-quality tea production, with Rungwe District being a major producer. Though the sector faces various challenges, including low productivity, limited market access, and poor quality, the adoption of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is likely to solve these challenges and enhance the overall performance of the tea industry in Rungwe. However, there is a shortage of data on ICT usage in Africa, specifically in Tanzania. This paper intends to explore the extent to which ICT has been adopted among Tanzanian Small-Scale Tea Growers (SSTGs) in Rungwe district and its impact on the tea industry. The study found that SSTGs in Rungwe have been adopting various ICT tools and applications to enhance their tea production processes, access information on market trends and opportunities, and access knowledge and training. These tools include radios, television, mobile apps, the internet (online platforms and YouTube), and sensor-based technologies, which are used to monitor crop growth, soil moisture, and weather conditions. The tools have enabled farmers to make more informed decisions about their crop management and improve their yields. The adoption of ICT in small-scale tea production in Rungwe has had a positive impact on the sector, enhancing productivity and efficiency, improving market access, and increasing the income and livelihoods of SSTGs.