Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis investigates the utilization of mobile technology as a tool for enhancing knowledge transfer in agricultural extension services. The research focuses on exploring how mobile technology can be effectively leveraged to disseminate agricultural information to farmers, extension workers, and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector. The study aims to address the challenges faced in traditional extension services and provide insights into how mobile technology can bridge the gap in knowledge transfer, ultimately improving agricultural productivity and sustainability. The introduction sets the context by highlighting the importance of agricultural extension services in promoting rural development and food security. It outlines the background of the study, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches to enhance knowledge dissemination in agricultural practices. The problem statement identifies the limitations of traditional extension services and the gaps in knowledge transfer, which mobile technology can potentially address. The objectives of the study are to assess the effectiveness of mobile technology in knowledge transfer, identify the key factors influencing its adoption, and propose strategies for its successful implementation in agricultural extension services. The literature review critically examines existing studies on mobile technology applications in agriculture and extension services. It explores various mobile technologies such as SMS, mobile apps, and voice-based services used for agricultural information dissemination. The review also discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with mobile technology adoption in agricultural extension, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of research in the field. The research methodology chapter outlines the research design, data collection methods, and analysis techniques employed in the study. It describes the sampling strategy, data sources, and tools used to collect and analyze data related to the utilization of mobile technology in agricultural extension services. The chapter also discusses the ethical considerations and limitations of the research, highlighting the steps taken to ensure the validity and reliability of the findings. The findings chapter presents the results of the study, highlighting the key findings related to the effectiveness of mobile technology in knowledge transfer in agricultural extension services. It discusses the factors influencing the adoption of mobile technology by farmers and extension workers, as well as the challenges and opportunities identified during the research. The chapter provides insights into the implications of the findings for agricultural extension practices and suggests recommendations for future research and policy development. In conclusion, the thesis summarizes the key findings and contributions of the study, emphasizing the potential of mobile technology in improving knowledge transfer in agricultural extension services. It highlights the significance of the research in advancing the understanding of how mobile technology can be harnessed to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. The thesis concludes with recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers to further explore the opportunities offered by mobile technology in transforming agricultural extension services. Overall, this thesis contributes to the growing body of literature on mobile technology applications in agriculture and extension services, providing valuable insights for stakeholders interested in leveraging technology for effective knowledge transfer in agricultural practices.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Utilizing Mobile Technology for Effective Knowledge Transfer in Agricultural Extension Services" aims to explore the potential of mobile technology in enhancing knowledge transfer within the field of agricultural extension services. This research endeavors to address the challenges faced in traditional methods of knowledge dissemination and aims to leverage the widespread adoption of mobile devices to facilitate more efficient and effective communication between agricultural extension workers and farmers. The agricultural sector plays a crucial role in global food production and sustainability. Agricultural extension services act as a bridge between researchers, policymakers, and farmers, providing valuable information, training, and support to improve agricultural practices and productivity. However, traditional extension methods are often constrained by limited resources, reach, and effectiveness. By harnessing the power of mobile technology, this research seeks to overcome these limitations and revolutionize knowledge transfer in agricultural extension services. The project will begin with an in-depth exploration of the existing literature on mobile technology in agricultural extension services. This literature review will examine current trends, best practices, challenges, and opportunities related to the use of mobile devices for knowledge dissemination in the agricultural sector. By synthesizing and analyzing this information, the research aims to identify key insights and gaps in the literature that will inform the subsequent stages of the study. Following the literature review, the research will focus on developing a comprehensive methodology for evaluating the impact of mobile technology on knowledge transfer in agricultural extension services. This methodology will encompass data collection techniques, participant selection criteria, research tools, and analysis frameworks designed to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of mobile-based knowledge transfer initiatives. The core of the research will involve implementing mobile technology interventions in collaboration with agricultural extension workers and farmers. These interventions may include the development of mobile applications, SMS-based information services, multimedia content creation, and virtual training programs tailored to the specific needs and preferences of the target audience. By engaging stakeholders in co-creating and testing these interventions, the research aims to gather valuable insights into their usability, acceptability, and impact on knowledge transfer outcomes. The findings of the study will be analyzed and interpreted to draw meaningful conclusions about the effectiveness of mobile technology in enhancing knowledge transfer in agricultural extension services. The research will also identify key success factors, challenges, and recommendations for future implementation and scalability of mobile-based interventions in the agricultural sector. In conclusion, the project "Utilizing Mobile Technology for Effective Knowledge Transfer in Agricultural Extension Services" seeks to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on innovative approaches to agricultural extension services. By exploring the potential of mobile technology as a tool for improving knowledge dissemination, this research aspires to empower farmers, enhance agricultural productivity, and promote sustainable development in rural communities.