Journal of Research in International Business and Management

Impact of ICT use on access to markets of pineapple smallholder farmers in Benin

Abstract

Anselme B. E. A. Adégbidi

This paper has used propensity score matching estimation to test the hypothesis that the access of smallholder pineapple farmers to information reduces the costs of doing business, increases income and hence increases market linkage in Benin. Evidence showed that, during transactions, the use of cell phone saves time and allows the producer to save money which was used for multiple trips. The mobile phone facilitates transactions and provides access ontime, to relevant information. Thus, its use allows pineapple producers to sell their produce at a good price and significantly improve their income. The use of information and communication technology thus appears important and recommended in the production of cash crops, for which the need for information is of paramount importance. Therefore, we suggest that it isimplemented, the conditions for the adoption and general use of ICT in rural areas.

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