Asiedu, Emmanuel, Nawar, Yehia, Jackson, Paul, Machokoto, Washington ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3613-3553 and Husamaldin, Laden (2026) GHANA’S AGRICULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY WITH DIGITALIZATION: THE MOBILE PHONE USE AS A BOUNDARY OBJECT. International Journal of All Research Writings, 7 (8). ISSN 2582-1008

Preview

PDF IJARW2914.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial Share Alike. Download (487kB) | Preview

Abstract

Purpose- This study explores the role of mobile phone technology as a boundary object in promoting
agricultural sustainability among smallholder farmers in rural Ghana. Drawing on Boundary Object
Theory, the research investigates how mobile phones facilitate communication, coordination, and
knowledge exchange between farmers, policymakers, agronomists, and market actors.
Design/methodology/approach – Through qualitative analysis of interviews conducted with farmers
affiliated with Ministry of Food and Agriculture Ghana (MOFA) and ESOKO, six thematic areas were
identified: communication and knowledge exchange, decision-making support, sustainable farming
practices, socio-cultural adaptability, infrastructure and accessibility, and social dynamics and
inclusion.
Findings – The findings reveal that mobile phones enable farmers to access real-time agricultural
information, improve market connectivity, and adopt sustainable practices. However, infrastructural
limitations, literacy barriers, and gendered access to digital tools constrain their effectiveness. The
study highlights the emergence of farmer-led digital innovation and co-production, demonstrating how
mobile phones are adapted to local needs and practices. Policy recommendations include enhancing
digital literacy, supporting inclusive cooperative structures, and promoting participatory design of
mobile-based agricultural tools.
Research limitations/implications – This study is based on qualitative interviews with a purposive
sample of smallholder farmers in the Kwahu district of Ghana. While the findings offer rich insights
into mobile phone usage and agricultural sustainability, they may not be generalizable to all rural
farming contexts across Ghana or sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, the reliance on self-reported data
introduces potential biases related to recall and social desirability. The study also focuses primarily on
mobile phone technology, excluding other digital tools such as tablets, drones, or IoT systems that may
influence farming practices.
originality/value –The research contributes to understanding how digitalization intersects with
entrepreneurial behavior in agriculture, offering insights into the transformative potential of mobile
technology in resource-constrained settings. The research provides valuable implications for theory,
policy, and practice. Theoretically, it extends Boundary Object Theory into the domain of rural
entrepreneurship, demonstrating how mobile phones function as adaptable tools for knowledge
exchange and coordination. Practically, the findings highlight the need for inclusive digital literacy
programs, participatory design of mobile applications, and infrastructure investment to support
sustainable farming. Policymakers and development agencies should consider farmer-led innovation
and co-production as key strategies for enhancing digital adoption and resilience in agricultural
systems.
Keyword: Digital entrepreneurship; Mobile phone technology; Boundary object theory; Agricultural
sustainability; Rural innovation.

Item Type:	Article
Identifier:	IJARW2914
Subjects:	Computing > Innovation and user experience
Date Deposited:	09 Mar 2026
URI:	https://repository.uwl.ac.uk/id/eprint/14703
Sustainable Development Goals:	Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

Downloads

Actions (admin access)