Development of a Conceptual Model Integrating Technology and Farmer Behavior for Livestock Production Optimization
Keywords:
Farmer Behavior, Livestock Production Optimization, Precision Livestock Farming, Technology Adoption, Socio-Technical ModelAbstract
This study aims to develop a conceptual model that integrates technology and farmer behavior for livestock production optimization. The study addresses the gap between the availability of digital livestock technologies and their actual use in daily farm management. A qualitative exploratory case study design was used to examine how farmers interpret, adopt, modify, or resist livestock technologies. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, limited participant observation, and document analysis involving livestock farmers, extension officers, livestock group leaders, animal health workers, and technology-related stakeholders. Thematic analysis revealed five major themes: technology as practical decision support, selective trust in digital data, behavioral adaptation in farm routines, social influence and peer learning, and the need for integrated support systems. The findings show that production optimization depends not only on technological readiness, but also on behavioral readiness, trust, habit formation, perceived usefulness, perceived control, and institutional support. This study contributes to the understanding of livestock digitalization as a socio-technical process that links technological capacity with farmer behavior. The proposed conceptual model offers theoretical value by integrating the Technology Acceptance Model, the Theory of Planned Behavior, and the Diffusion of Innovation. It also provides practical guidance for technology developers, extension services, cooperatives, and policymakers in designing farmer-centered digital livestock programs. Future research should test the model across different livestock systems using quantitative or mixed-methods approaches
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