The Role of Digital Technology in Fostering Economic Development in Rural Areas in Morogoro Region

Abstract

This study examined the role of digital technologies in enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability among smallholder farmers in Morogoro Region, Tanzania. Using a cross-sectional research design, data were collected from 150 randomly selected farmers utilizing digital agricultural tools. Findings indicated significant productivity gains, particularly a notable 64.8% increase in maize yields attributed to mobile weather forecasting applications and precision agriculture tools. Despite these positive outcomes, the broader adoption and effectiveness of digital technologies were hindered by barriers such as high initial investment costs, unreliable internet connectivity, and limited digital literacy. While approximately 56.7% of respondents reported improved market access through digital platforms, inconsistent connectivity and inadequate digital skills limited the sustained realization of these benefits.In addition, the fact that 60% of respondents claimed that digital technologies have not led to a significant reduction in administrative workloads suggests a critical need for increased training and improved technological infrastructure. While switching to digital tools promoted sustainable practices like organic farming and crop rotation, their use to mitigate income volatility was limited by the price vicious cycle of global commodity markets and the unpredictability of the weather. The study calls for targeted investments to enable greater access to the rural digital infrastructure, financial incentives for consumers designed to lower the cost of adoption, and comprehensive digital literacy training programs to be offered to rural consumers.