Exploring the Role of Farming Experience in Shaping ICT Access Among Agricultural Women: Mixed-Methods Analysis

Abstract

In recent years, information and communication technologies (ICTs) have become pivotal tools for rural development, particularly in agriculture and women's empowerment. However, disparities in access and usage remain, often shaped by gender, education, and farming experience. This study investigates the relationship between farming experience and access to ICT-based content among agricultural women using a mixed-methods design. A quantitative survey of 384 respondents was conducted, followed by qualitative data from six focus group discussions. Binary outcome variables represented access to twelve categories of ICT-delivered information (e.g., agricultural inputs, food preservation, entrepreneurship). Due to issues of perfect separation in regression modeling, Fisher’s Exact Test was applied to examine associations between farming experience (categorized as ≤10 years and >10 years) and access to each content type. While no statistically significant associations emerged at the p < 0.05 level, notable differences in access rates—particularly in entrepreneurial content, market information, and crop management—were observed. Qualitative findings supported and contextualized these trends, revealing that experienced women often prioritize relevant agricultural content, while younger or less experienced women explore a broader range of digital resources. The study highlights the role of experience in shaping digital behavior and calls for more inclusive, experience-sensitive ICT training and outreach in rural areas.