Socio-Technical Analysis of Smart Farming Adoption in Sustainable Agricultural Systems in Indonesia

Bayu Rohman; Sekar Iskandar; Ridwan Yulianto

Authors

Bayu Rohman Universitas Brawijaya Author
Sekar Iskandar Universitas Brawijaya Author
Ridwan Yulianto IPB University Author

Keywords:

Smart Farming, Socio-Technical Analysis, Sustainable Agriculture, Digital Agriculture, Smallholder Farmers

Abstract

This study aims to analyze smart farming adoption in sustainable agricultural systems in Indonesia through a socio-technical perspective. The study responds to the growing need to understand why digital agricultural technologies are not always adopted evenly by farmers, despite their potential to improve efficiency, productivity, and environmental sustainability. This research used a qualitative multi-site case study design in three agricultural contexts that represent different stages of smart farming adoption. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, field observation, and documentation involving 20 to 25 participants, including farmers, farmer group leaders, agricultural extension workers, village officers, technology facilitators, and local program managers. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis supported by data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings reveal five main themes: technological readiness, farmer learning and digital literacy, trust in digital recommendations, institutional support, and adaptation to local farming practices. The study shows that smart farming adoption is not only a technical matter, but also a social process shaped by trust, collective learning, infrastructure, and institutional mediation. Farmers adopt smart farming when they see clear benefits, understand the tool, receive continuous support, and can adjust the technology to local farming needs. The study contributes to socio-technical theory by explaining how digital agriculture operates in smallholder farming contexts. It also offers practical and policy implications for designing inclusive, affordable, and locally relevant smart farming programs in Indonesia.

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