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Information sources, ICTs and price information in rural agricultural markets

Zanello, G. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0477-1385 and Srinivasan, C. S. (2014) Information sources, ICTs and price information in rural agricultural markets. The European Journal of Development Research, 26 (5). pp. 815-831. ISSN 0957-8811

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To link to this item DOI: 10.1057/ejdr.2014.1

Abstract/Summary

The spread and rapid uptake of mobile telephony in Sub-Saharan Africa has highlighted the potential role of Information Communication Technologies in improving market participation and welfare outcomes for farm producers in agricultural produce markets. This article explores the influence of different sources of information and transmission technologies on the quantum and reliability of market information flowing to farm producers, based on a survey of farm households in northern Ghana. Our results suggest that the principal role of radio broadcasts and mobile telephony is in providing a broader knowledge of markets by enhancing the quantum of market information flowing to farm producers. They do not, however, appear to have a significant impact on the quality/reliability of price information obtained by farmers for making marketing decisions. Information sources appear to be the chief determinant of the reliability of price information, with price information obtained from extension agents being the most credible. Our results provide some useful insights for the design and implementation of Market Information Systems aimed at encouraging market participation by rural farm producers in agricultural markets.

Item Type:Article
Refereed:Yes
Divisions:Life Sciences > School of Agriculture, Policy and Development > Department of Agri-Food Economics & Marketing
ID Code:36626
Uncontrolled Keywords:Market behaviour; transaction costs; information technologies; market Information
Publisher:Palgrave Macmillan

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