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Abstract:
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The goal of this research was to evaluate the level of information systems adoption and utilisation
among small-scale farmers in the Vhembe district of Limpopo province, South Africa. Since agri culture is among the most crucial economic activities in the region, this research sought to evaluate
attitudes of small-scale farmers, the contribution of extension officers, and factors that affect the
implementation of technology in information systems for farming.
The study relied on a positivist research paradigm and was conducted through a quantitative cross sectional survey approach in which 306 farmers were interviewed using structured questionnaires.
The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) level of 0.917 and Cronbach’s values of 0.779-0.945 proved the
reliability and internal consistency of the instrument. Exploratory factor analysis revealed five key
factors influencing technology adoption: Extension Officers’ involvement and support for the
adoption and usage of information systems, perceived attitude towards information systems, per ceived barriers to adoption of information systems, and the perceived usual source of agricultural
information.
The results showed a gender gap with the participants being 63.7% male and 36.3% female. Other
notable factors included higher education as an influential factor, with 40.2% participant small scale farmers possessing a degree showing a tendency to adopt information systems and a greater
likelihood having bachelor level or better degree. Support from extension officers was also critical
in affecting both the perception and real adoption of information systems.
The findings of this study, therefore, support the need to utilize the extension officers, foster pos itive attitudes, and disseminate relevant information to increase the uptake of information systems
in agriculture. These views are in support of the Diffusion of Innovation Theory where more effort
needs to be applied towards increasing the perceived relative advantage and lack of trialability of
information systems among the small-scale farmers. |