Integration of Digital Technology in Agriculture: Smart Farming Adoption Strategies in Indonesian Farming Communities

Abstract

According to data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), 28.64% of Indonesia’s workforce was engaged in agriculture in the first quarter of 2024, underscoring its continued importance as a major source of income. Nevertheless, challenges such as low productivity and food insecurity persist. This study aims to analyze strategies for integrating digital technology into agricultural practices, utilizing the concept of smart farming, among farming communities in Indonesia. Digital technology adoption is considered a strategic approach to improve efficiency, productivity, and sustainable resource management. The research was conducted in West Java using a quantitative approach involving 135 farmers from various agricultural communities. Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling–Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) to examine relationships among latent variables and Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) to identify differences in perceptions and adoption levels based on demographic factors. The findings indicate that farmer characteristics, innovation attributes, external environmental support, and learning intensity significantly influence the intention and level of smart farming adoption, which subsequently impacts farm sustainability. The study provides practical insights for policymakers and stakeholders in designing technology-based training and assistance programs to strengthen the competitiveness and digital transformation of Indonesia’s agricultural sector.