Perceptions of Agricultural Experts towards Barriers to the Adoption of Precision Agriculture

Precision agriculture holds significant potential for increasing crop yield, reducing costs, and ensuring environmental protection. However, the adoption of these technologies is impeded by certain barriers that need to be acknowledged. This survey aimed to investigate the perceptions of agricultural experts (n=142) regarding the barriers to adopting precision agriculture in Ardabil province, Iran. Data were collected through a questionnaire administered to the participants. The research tool was validated by a group of university staff, and its reliability was confirmed through a pilot study involving 30 experts, which yielded a high alpha value. Due to the prevailing COVID-19 situation, data collection was conducted virtually. The findings indicated that the surveyed experts possessed a relatively good understanding of precision agriculture. Five factors, namely lack of knowledge, economic constraints, inadequate extension-farmer interactions, data security concerns, and limited accessibility, collectively accounted for 73.34 percent of the total variance in barriers to adopting precision agricultural technologies. Due to the lack of knowledge and poor farmer-extension interaction, extension courses are needed to improve farmers' knowledge and awareness of precision agriculture. Regarding the economic barriers, allocating the facilities and credits for developing and applying these technologies is necessary. Concerning the barriers to data security and lack of access, the government and related organizations should support farmers in solving internet access problems. Also, training and necessary facilities to maintain data security should be provided. Considering the effect of perception of usefulness on attitude, it is necessary to provide in-service training to improve experts' knowledge and perceptions about these technologies' usefulness. Precision agriculture demonstration farms in research stations or farmers' farms with the interaction of experts can be effective.