Smallholder farmers’ adoption of digital technologies in agriculture for sustainable livelihood development in Quang Tri Province, Vietnam

Abstract

The adoption of digital technology among smallholder farmers in developing nations has significant potential to advance agricultural development. This study aims to achieve four primary objectives: 1) to identify the digital technologies adopted by smallholder farmers; 2) to investigate the factors influencing the adoption of digital technologies among smallholder farmers; 3) to assess the outcomes of digital technology adoption on farmers’ livelihoods; and 4) to offer policy recommendations to promote the adoption of digital technologies in agriculture for smallholders. The study employed a survey research design as the main approach to collect data. A total of 455 smallholder households were estimated to be selected from the around 46,000 farm households in the province by using the Yamane formula (1967), with a sampling error of 5%. A snowball sampling technique was employed to select smallholders for interviews. Data was also gathered from secondary sources and key informant interviews to provide valuable insights into the adoption of digital technologies among smallholder farmers in Quang Tri province. The analysis involved the use of descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, factor analysis, and Poisson regression to provide comprehensive insights into the research objectives. The adoption of digital technologies among smallholder farmers in Quang Tri Province, Vietnam, presents significant potential for enhancing agricultural productivity and improving livelihoods. The research revealed that almost 100% of farmers owned smartphones and internet connectivity, and approximately 80% had internet-enabled televisions, indicating a strong foundation for digital engagement. Digital application adoption rates were balanced, with a preference for multidirectional platforms like Facebook and YouTube, adopted by over 80% of farmers. Weather forecast apps and app calls were also popular, while Zalo, messaging apps, web browsers, and online shopping apps had lower adoption rates. Adoption rates varied significantly among different demographics, with higher rates among aquaculture and livestock-based farmers, younger and better-educated farmers, and male farmers. The frequency of digital platform usage was relatively low, with weather forecast apps used most frequently, nearly 6 times per week. Other applications were used less than 4 times per week on average, with online shopping having the lowest utilization. Significant differences in usage frequency were observed among farmer groups stratified by education level. Farmers primarily adopted digital applications for acquiring farming knowledge and accessing weather information. Significant numbers of farmers used digital platforms for selling products, checking prices, and buying inputs, while fewer engaged in exchanging farming experience, post-harvest advisories, and financial activities. Digital adoption purposes of smallholder farmers were classified into 5 groups, including: “Price Information & Inputs Procurement”, “Farm Product Marketing & Sales”, “Financial Assistance & Farm Services”, “Farming Knowledge & Experience Exchange”, and Weather Information & Other Services. Among fourteen exploratory variables, ten were found to be statistically significant in influencing digital technology adoption. Positive factors included education, farm size, digital experience, internet cost, accessibility of digital-related information, frequency of knowledge exchange, and participation in farmer organizations. Negative factors included farmer age, trust in shared experiences, and crop farm type. The adoption of digital tools led to significant positive changes in farmers’ livelihood capitals, particularly in human and social capital. Improvements included better access to weather forecasts, increased agricultural education, enhanced access to farm advisory information, easier contact and information exchange with other farmers, expanded social networks, and more frequent interactions with input providers, traders, and consumers. Changes in other capitals were less pronounced, with the least change observed in natural capital. Statistically significant differences in livelihood capital changes were found among farmers of different farm types and education levels. To encourage digital technology adoption, four policy recommendations are proposed: strengthening digital extension services, enhancing training programs, leveraging existing farmer cooperatives, and supporting young, educated farmers as leaders in digital adoption. In conclusion, these findings highlight the need for requires coordinated efforts from all stakeholders to enhance digital adoption among smallholder farmers. Farmers should actively use existing digital technologies and engage in training programs to maximize their benefits. Farmer organizations need to facilitate peer learning and collaborate with tech providers for tailored support. Extension agencies must build staff capacity and partner with technology firms to offer relevant training and digital solutions. Managers and policymakers should integrate these recommendations into policy frameworks, and foster public-private partnerships to create an environment conducive to digital adoption. These strategic actions will empower farmers and contribute to their sustainable livelihood development.