Rose Wanjala

Impact of Ict-based Information Systems on Maize Marketing in Kenya Rose Wanjala

This study evaluated the impact of ICT-based marketing in Western Kenya. Data was collected from a sample of 384 farmers. SPSS package was used in analysis of data. A Chi square test was used to show the relationships. Results show a high statistical significant(p<0.01) variation in ICT tools used by farmers. Mobile telephony and radio were the commonly used at 36.5%. Also ?Soko hewani? SMS and IRP. Internet was least used at 4.7%. There?s highly significant variation (p<0.01)in the effect of MIS services on HH maize marketing. MIS provided pure price information, non-price information and trade facilitation.64.4% of the farmers sited inadequate funds as a major constrain in application of ICT tools. Connectivity, inadequate proficiency and lack of group cohesion were also listed. Opportunities for application of ICT tools cited by 95.3% included proximity. The study recommends that future priorities in the development of MIS focuses on the access of poorer farmers to mobile telephones and radio. ICT policy for MIS services to target developing of infrastructure, hardware and knowhow, lowering costs of MIS services and replication of KACE MIS activities.