Mobile agriculture apps have shown promise in enhancing crop management practices globally, particularly in regions with diverse climates and limited agricultural resources such as South Sudan. Recognising the potential of these tools to improve yields and efficiency, there is a need for empirical research assessing their adoption rates among farmers. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, including quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. Data was collected through an online survey distributed among South Sudanese farmers in the major agricultural regions. Interviews were conducted with selected respondents to gather deeper insights into their app usage experiences and challenges. Initial findings indicate that while approximately 45% of surveyed farmers reported using mobile agriculture apps for crop management, there is a notable disparity between urban and rural areas, with higher adoption rates observed in urban settings. The qualitative interviews revealed common barriers such as cost and technical literacy. The study underscores the importance of overcoming these barriers to maximise the potential benefits of mobile agriculture apps in South Sudan's agricultural sector. Policy makers should prioritise initiatives that address affordability and access, alongside improving digital literacy programmes. Agricultural extension services could also be enhanced by integrating app recommendations into their curricula.
Deng et al. (2008) studied this question.