DESIGN OF MOBILE PHONE APPLICATION TO FACILITATE INFORMATION SHARING AMONG FISH FARMERS IN UGANDA

Moureen Matuha*, Joseph. J. Molnar, Gertrude Atukunda, John. K. Walakira, Safina Namatovu and Erina Nabafu
National Agriculture Research Organization
P. O. Box 343
Plot 39/45, Nile Crescent
Jinja-Uganda
mmolex22@gmail.com
 

Mobile phones have the potential to provide solution to the existing information asymmetry in aquaculture. Uganda's aquaculture sector suffers from low growth rates and low productivity. Issues in access to market and fish production information are weak points at every stage of the aquaculture-supply chain. For small farmer-based economy like Uganda, access to information can possibly enable better incomes and productivity to the farmers. This paper through focus group discussions with fish farmers in Mpigi, Wakiso, Kalungu, Gulu, Lira, Kole and Jinja, has tried to 1) Identify the type of mobile phones ( either smart of basic phones) owned by fish farmers 2) identify the critical information needs of fish farmers that can be used in the designing of a mobile application service that will enable fish farmers, input suppliers, fish traders, and fish farmer's association leaders access fish farming and market information 3) assess the impact of mobile application on information access, fish farmer's income and aquaculture productivity..

The information got will guide Public agencies, non-governmental organizations, researchers and cellular service providers in facilitating the design and use of mobile phone applications as a means to guide, coordinate, and instruct fish farmers in Uganda. The study showed that majority of fish farmers prioritized information packages on feeding (how to mix feeds on farm); market prices; pond construction, preparation, stocking, management and harvesting; fish health issues and predator control that should not be missed out on the mobile App. Farmers were also concerned about the quality of information, timeliness of information and trustworthiness of information that will be on the app since these are three important aspects that could help them meet their needs and expectations.