Adoption as an investment trade off under uncertainty: Evidence on ICT-based extension from Thai farmers

Information from the abstract

: Digital technologies are increasingly promoted in agricultural extension, but access does not guarantee that farmers will reallocate scarce resources toward sustained use. In this study, willingness to invest in ICT-based extension is defined as the stated intention to commit and reallocate money, time, and learning effort toward these services, distinct from passive acceptance or general interest. The study treats ICT-based extension adoption as an investment decision under uncertainty, examining willingness conditional on perceived benefits, affordability, and local support. The analysis combines survey data from 447 farmers in Pathum Thani Province, Thailand, with qualitative evidence from interviews and focus group discussions. ICT exposure is measured through use frequency and tool diversity, while willingness is captured using a perceived-benefits index related to decision quality and productivity. Ordered regression models estimate associations, and qualitative evidence helps interpret the patterns observed. Given the cross-sectional design, all reported relationships are associational rather than causal. The results show that ICT exposure is the strongest correlate of willingness. Differences by age, education, and district become small once exposure is taken into account, while gender differences persist. Farm size plays a modest role: capacity shapes feasibility but not willingness alone. Qualitative findings indicate that learning through practice, visible benefits, and peer support reduce perceived risk and strengthen confidence, while limited institutional support is associated with delayed investment. These findings suggest that policies focus on reducing entry risk and supporting learning through affordable access models, structured onboarding, and local demonstrations.

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Related topics: Agricultural Innovations and Practices · Technology Adoption and User Behaviour · Microfinance and Financial Inclusion