Antecedents of technology adoption in agriculture in developing nations

Abstract

Understanding the antecedents determining technology adoption in agriculture is essential to promote technology adoption to improve agricultural productivity in developing nations. The aims of this research were to understand the meaning of technology adoption for people involved in farming activities in developing nations, the antecedents determining technology adoption, their effect and how their interaction influences decision-making with regards to technology implementation in agriculture in developing nations. This study was qualitative in nature and followed an exploratory approach. This allowed the researcher to gain and understand new insights about the antecedents determining technology adoption in agriculture in developing nations. A total of 12 synchronous online semi-structured interviews were conducted with farmers and agriculture technicians from developing nations where the reliance on the agriculture sector is high. These interviews were analysed using thematic content analysis approach which led to the development of ‘The antecedents determining technology adoption in agriculture in developing nations’ Framework. This Framework refuted literature findings which highlighted the existence of four antecedents determining technology adoption in agriculture in these nations. Five predominant antecedents namely: awareness; financial assistance; applicability of technology; training and technical support; and demonstrations were identified in this study. This framework explains that the interaction of the identified antecedents is essential to foster technology adoption among farmers in developing nations and is important for stakeholders since it can provide a better understanding and guidance for the creation of integrated strategies to improve technology adoption in agriculture in developing nations.