Title: EFFECTIVENESS OF THE GOAT GURU MOBILE APP AMONG FARMERS

Authors: A. K. Chaturvedani and Deepjyoti Roy

Publisher: The President, Society of Extension Education Gujarat

Keywords: ICT, knowledge, effectiveness, goat guru, mobile advisory services

Volume: 40

Issue: 2

Year: December 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56572/gjoee.2025.40.2.0012

Abstract: The livestock sector is a cornerstone of India's agrarian economy, yet extension service gaps persist due to high farmer to agent ratios. Mobile based advisory tools offer a scalable solution to this challenge. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the "Goat Guru" Android application among 80 goat farmers in Mirzapur district, Uttar Pradesh, assessing the influence of demographic and socio economic traits on app utilization and knowledge gain. Using a before and after research design, data were collected through structured interviews and analyzed with descriptive and correlational statistics. Results showed that most users (66.4%) were middle aged and male (93.8%), with medium levels of education and media exposure. The app was perceived as moderately effective by 75% of respondents, and knowledge scores were highest among those with strong extension contacts (r = 0.405, p < .001). Significant positive correlations were found between app effectiveness and both herd size and income from goat rearing (r = 0.307, p < .01). These findings highlight the app's utility in enhancing technical knowledge among goat farmers and underscore the role of economic traits in ICT adoption. Tailored content, coupled with improved training and outreach, can further increase digital engagement and livestock productivity.