Journal of Aquaculture Research & Development

Mobile phone applications for fish farmers in Uganda: Prospects and challenges

7^th International Conference on Aquaculture & Fisheries

October 19-21, 2017 | Rome, Italy

Joseph J Molnar, Isaac Omiat, Moureen Matuha, Gertrude Atukunda, John Walakira, Theodora Huhya, James Bukenka, Claude Boyd and Shamim Naigaga

Auburn University, USA
Likamis Software Limited, Uganda
National Fisheries Resources Research Institute, Jinja, Uganda
National Fisheries Resources Research Institute, Kajjansi, Uganda
Makerere University, Uganda
Alabama A&M University, USA

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Aquac Res Development

Abstract:

Mobile phones facilitate farmersâ?? access to information, helping increase their bargaining power, control over external events, develop new skills and grow revenues. For instance, in Tanzania the arrival of mobile phones, transformed agricultural business performance at all points by augmenting farmersâ?? access to education and vital market information. Matuha (2015) found that fish farmers use mobile phones to access technical guidance from intermediary farmers, obtain market information, accomplish mobile banking and receiving, contact family members and procure inputs. Factors that seemed to discourage mobile phone use included: Lack of electricity, poor network coverage, high calling credit and maintenance costs, lack of awareness and promotion. On the other hand, information regarding stocking and harvesting, feeding management, pond construction and management, disease management, water quality management, broodstock management and market prices were information topics most needed by fish farmers. Several different business models have emerged in efforts to provide technical support to African farmers with cell phones. One commercial model invites farmers to subscribe to a fish-focused network of producers managed by a service provider who moderates the transactions and may be compensated by subscription fees, transaction fees, or commissions. The entrepreneur firm builds and supports a network of suppliers, producers, and buyers whose transaction costs support the network. The source of technical information may be uncertain, but the responsiveness to technical questions may be rapid because the entrepreneur is motivated to keep and grow the number of participants. This is the approach we take in Uganda. The purpose of this paper is to describe the implementation of a mobile-based application for fish farmers, participation processes, and services provided. The conclusion considers how ICT advances food security and development by empowering farmers and linking them to each other, extension, and input suppliers.