ICT Access and Its Yield Gains for Small-Scale Farmers in Tanzania's Semi-Arid Regions,

This study examines the impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) access on small-scale farmers in Tanzania's semi-arid regions. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative data from surveys with qualitative insights from in-depth interviews to understand farmer practices and perceptions of ICT use. Evidence suggests that farmers who had access to mobile phones reported higher adoption rates (65%) compared to those without (40%), leading to significant yield gains averaging 21% over the study period. The findings highlight a strong correlation between improved ICT access and enhanced agricultural productivity among small-scale farmers in semi-arid regions of Tanzania. Policy recommendations include increasing investment in rural infrastructure, particularly mobile phone networks, to facilitate wider adoption of ICT tools by farmers.