| Abstract: |
Abstract
Purpose- This study explores the role of mobile phone technology as a boundary object in promoting agricultural sustainability among smallholder farmers in rural Ghana. Drawing on Boundary Object Theory, the research investigates how mobile phones facilitate communication, coordination, and knowledge exchange between farmers, policymakers, agronomists, and market actors.
Design/methodology/approach – Through qualitative analysis of interviews conducted with farmers affiliated with Ministry of Food and Agriculture Ghana (MOFA) and ESOKO, six thematic areas were identified: communication and knowledge exchange, decision-making support, sustainable farming practices, socio-cultural adaptability, infrastructure and accessibility, and social dynamics and inclusion.
Findings – The findings reveal that mobile phones enable farmers to access real-time agricultural information, improve market connectivity, and adopt sustainable practices. However, infrastructural limitations, literacy barriers, and gendered access to digital tools constrain their effectiveness. The study highlights the emergence of farmer-led digital innovation and co-production, demonstrating how mobile phones are adapted to local needs and practices. Policy recommendations include enhancing digital literacy, supporting inclusive cooperative structures, and promoting participatory design of mobile-based agricultural tools.
Research limitations/implications – This study is based on qualitative interviews with a purposive sample of smallholder farmers in the Kwahu district of Ghana. While the findings offer rich insights into mobile phone usage and agricultural sustainability, they may not be generalizable to all rural farming contexts across Ghana or sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, the reliance on self-reported data introduces potential biases related to recall and social desirability. The study also focuses primarily on mobile phone technology, excluding other digital tools such as tablets, drones, or IoT systems that may influence farming practices.
originality/value –The research contributes to understanding how digitalization intersects with entrepreneurial behavior in agriculture, offering insights into the transformative potential of mobile technology in resource-constrained settings. The research provides valuable implications for theory, policy, and practice. Theoretically, it extends Boundary Object Theory into the domain of rural entrepreneurship, demonstrating how mobile phones function as adaptable tools for knowledge exchange and coordination. Practically, the findings highlight the need for inclusive digital literacy programs, participatory design of mobile applications, and infrastructure investment to support sustainable farming. Policymakers and development agencies should consider farmer-led innovation and co-production as key strategies for enhancing digital adoption and resilience in agricultural systems.
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