Phones Prove Useful Tools for Small Farmers (The Financial Times)

The Financial Times quotes Jenny Aker on mobile phones for small farmers in developing countries.

From the article:

In areas where transport is poor, talking to traders before heading off on a long journey to market saves time, says Jenny Aker, assistant professor of economics, at the Fletcher School of Tufts University.

“As a farmer, you can phone around and make a strategic decision before you walk to the market,” says Prof Aker, who has been working in west Africa with non-governmental organisations on a number of mobile phone-related studies and projects. “And it’s not just about information but also co-ordination – while you’re getting the information, you could agree a price with a buyer at the market.”

Read the article.