Mobile Catalysts in Agricultural Extension: A Quantitative Analysis in Burkina Faso 2012

Mobile technology has been increasingly adopted in agricultural extension services across various regions to enhance information dissemination and farmer engagement. A mixed-method approach combining quantitative survey data with qualitative interviews was employed. The sample comprised 300 randomly selected farmers from four regions of Burkina Faso. Data analysis utilised logistic regression to model the probability of adopting new agricultural technologies based on mobile technology usage frequency, duration, and service satisfaction. Mobile catalysts were found to significantly increase knowledge acquisition among farmers who used these services for at least three months (odds ratio = 1.72, CI: 1.38-2.15). The findings suggest that sustained engagement with mobile technology can lead to substantial improvements in agricultural practices. Future research should explore the long-term impacts of mobile catalysts and consider integrating multiple types of mobile services for broader farmer coverage.