Acceptance of IoT Technology for Agriculture Among Farmers in La Bek Subdistrict, Mueang District, Surin Province.

Abstract

Acceptance of IoT Technology for Agriculture Among Farmers in La Bek Subdistrict, Mueang District, Surin Province. This research aims to investigate the factors influencing farmers' acceptance of Internet of Things (IoT) technology for agriculture in La Bek Subdistrict, Mueang District, Surin Province. The study sample comprises 30 farmers who participated in training programs on smart farming system development to enhance agricultural practices and transition towards a digital farming community in La Bek Subdistrict. A questionnaire was used as the primary research instrument, with its reliability assessed using Cronbach’s Alpha, yielding a reliability coefficient of 0.88. The questionnaire consists of two sections: (1) general information about the farmers and (2) their acceptance of IoT technology for agriculture. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics. The research findings are categorized into two main sections: 1. Demographic Characteristics: The majority of respondents were female, aged between 55 and 64 years, had completed primary-level education, and earned a monthly income of less than 10,000 baht. 2. The analysis of data regarding technology acceptance among farmers indicates that their perception of adopting IoT technology for agriculture is generally positive. In terms of ease of use and efficiency, the acceptance level is high, with average scores of 3.97 and 4.03, respectively. For aspects such as meeting agricultural needs, saving time, reducing labor, and conserving water resources, farmers demonstrated the highest level of acceptance, with average scores of 4.83, 4.77, 4.77, and 4.60, respectively. However, factors related to ease of use without requiring extensive technological knowledge, independent operation without assistance, the ability to learn from a manual, and affordability for farmers received the lowest acceptance levels, with average scores of 1.73 and 1.50. Overall, when averaging all aspects, the farmers’ acceptance of IoT technology for agriculture is at a good level. The benefits of this research can serve as a guideline for government and private sector agencies in developing projects to promote the use of technology in supporting farmers' agricultural occupations.