Mbise, Susanne2020-02-052020-02-052016Mbise, S. (2016) The role of mobile phones in the development of women’s smes in rural areas: the case of Arusha and Kilimanjaro, Master dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaamhttp://41.86.178.5:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/6901Available in print form, East Africana Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, Class mark (THS EAF HF5718.2.T34M3254)Information and Communication are important elements in any development ventures. Marginalized groups such as women living in rural Tanzania are not exceptional to this fact. However, challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, and inadequate infrastructure and gender inequities in the rural are a hindrance in the adoption of technology hence being a stumbling block in economic development initiatives. The study aims to explore the role and the challenges of accessing mobile phones and their services in the development of women’s SMEs in the rural areas of Kilimanjaro and Arusha.The study has employed semi-structured interviews, (both one-on-one and focus group discussions) questionnaires and observation as methods of research. A total of 92 respondents were interviewed in both Kilimanjaro and Arusha regions; and 3 questionnaires were filled by one representative of each business group in both regions. Information collected included the demographic characteristics of the respondents which was used to further explore their perceptions and use of mobile phones in their lives, which includes in their businesses. The study has exposed that women in rural areas do use mobile phones as the most preferred medium of communication. They have adopted it because of its simplicity and its mobility. For most of them, their businesses have also been affected positively through the use of the services provided by telecommunication companies in Tanzania. However, the study also reveals that there are challenges and problems that women in rural areas still face in accessing and using mobile phones. For further actions, the researcher has made recommendations to the telecommunication industry, the government, development partners and the women in rural areas; on how they can use the opportunities of furthering economic and social development in rural areas through mobile phones. As this research is subjective to shortcomings, such as the scope of the study, the researcher also recommends possible areas for further research.enBusiness communicationWomen in BisinessSmall businessCellular phonesRural areasArushaKilimanjaroTanzaniaThesis