Effects of mobile technology to rural Africa

Photo Credit to Matt Banks

Nowadays, almost everyone has access to an internet capable mobile device. Economic status is no longer an issue with regard to gadget acquisition since more and more devices are made cheaper. Given the wide availability of the said technology, third world and developing countries are already taking advantage of this opportunity to make a difference in their rural and poor urban communities. With all that in mind, let’s see how Mobile technology have made an impact in rural Africa.

Impact to economy

Surprisingly, data shows that low-income and middle-income countries have bigger markets in terms of mobile phone sales. There are more mobile phone users compared to those who have fixed lines. Small businessmen or service providers are making use of mobile technology to communicate with their clients. The said technology have indeed made a remarkable impact to African countries’ economies as mobile communication is more accessible than the traditional way of sending messages.

Data gathering advantage

Other than economic advantages, mobile technology also helps in data gathering. Rural communities in Africa usually process their data through an old method of paper recording. In Uganda, constituents are now making use of a technology called Mobile Vital Records System by the Uganda Registration Services Bureau. The platform aims to simplify and hasten data gathering and recording. With this advancement, people only need to enter a Three-digit pin to access the database and enter vital information. The entire process will only take a few minutes to complete.

Effects to agriculture

In a more unusual manner, mobile technology is also advantageous to Africa’s agriculture sector. Nowadays, farmers can make use of their mobile devices to access current market prices before travelling long distance. This can help them cut cost on transportation expenses. Farmers can use a text messaging platform that keeps them on track with regard to market trends and also allows them to deal with traders beforehand. Another innovation allows farmers to be up to speed on livestock reproduction. The technology called “i-Cow from M-Farm” allows farmers to be updated on current livestock trends which include cattle prices and veterinary contact information.

Mobile banking and Marketing

With the use of Mobile Banking, more Africans can now have access to mobile banking through online payments. Nowadays, Africans can transact payments and other monetary dealings through mobile accounts.

Effects on health information

Mobile communication is not only used for socialization. It can also be used for information dissemination. Proper preventive measures against the spread of malaria was easily distributed through mobile devices. Not only it is used to spread the word, mobile technology was also taken as an advantage to gather funds from willing donors to purchase goods and services to fight malaria.

Community protection

Though we’ve seen a lot of advantages mobile technology have contributed to Africa, outlaws have found a way to make the system go their way. Human traffickers transact their illicit businesses through mobile devices. Given the fact that they have made the technology work to their advantage, proper authorities have conceptualized a plan to counter their criminal acts. With enhanced tracking system, authorities can be able to intercept data that can be used to prosecute the offenders.

Technology, no matter how advantageous it may be still has its natural flaws. It is for us, the users to make use of the system responsibly without harming anyone in the process.

Humphrey Kariuki Ndgewa, CEO of Dalbit International, has been blogging regularly since last year. Drawing on his vast experience as an industrialist, Humphrey writes about balancing business-minded innovation and sustainable development.