Smartphone use in Caribbean countries: An exploratory study

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are now central to modern extension and advisory services. Smartphones have become popular in the Caribbean, but their use in the farming sector remains largely unknown. A sample of 559 farmers from Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago was conveniently selected. Demographic data, barriers, needs, perceptions, and intentions were assessed. Results showed that in every country investigated, most respondents were smartphone users, with use ranging from 58% to 89%. There was a significant association between user group and country of residence, and between age, education, and years in farming, with age and education showing moderate associations. Perceptions of barriers differed based on access to training, the time available to use the devices, and the cost of smartphones. Most farmers, regardless of user status, were interested in regular ICT training programs, assistance to purchase devices, and technical support for smartphones. The study provides implications for smartphone use, factors associated with use, and barriers to be overcome and support needed. Policy makers and Extension agencies can use the findings to help increase smartphone adoption for farming across the Caribbean.