Does Information Technology Matter in Adopting Covid-19 Preventive Measures? Evidence from Small-Scale Rice Farmers in Morogoro, Tanzania

Abstract

The invasion of Corona Virus Infection Disease in 2019 [COVID-19] has resulted in diverse effects around the world. Efforts have been undertaken to prevent COVID-19, including creating awareness about its prevalence and promoting the adoption of relevant preventive measures. However, the decision to adopt COVID-19 preventive measures is still low among small-scale farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Tanzania. Reducing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic requires knowledge of both the drivers of awareness about the pandemic and adopting preventive measures. Thus, this study using probit models examines the determinants of both awareness about COVID-19 and adoption of COVID-19 preventive measures among small-scale rice farmers in Morgoro, Tanzania. A structured questionnaire was administered to about 200 randomly selected small-scale rice farmers. The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between sex (male), education level, and information source (internet), as well as a negative relationship between household size and awareness of COVID-19. Also, we find the drivers for adopting the COVID-19 preventive measures to be age, sex (male), education level, and information from television. While access to smartphones and information from Doctors were found to be negatively associated with adoption, the study places emphasis on the role of methods of providing information, such as television and the internet, in preventing the COVID-19 pandemic.