Precision agriculture technology adoption: a qualitative study of small-scale commercial family farms located in the North China Plain

Precision agriculture (PA) technologies offer a potential solution to food security and environmental challenges but, will only be successful if adopted by farmers. Adoption in China lags behind that in some developed agricultural economies despite scientifically proven benefits of PA technologies for Chinese agriculture. Adoption is dependent on farmer attitudes and perceptions towards PA technologies. An exploratory qualitative study using in-depth interviews was conducted with Chinese arable farmers (n = 27) to explore their perceptions towards and adoption intentions of PA technologies in two Chinese provinces (Hebei and Shandong). A thematic analysis revealed five central themes to have emerged from the data, these were: socio-political landscape, farming culture, agricultural challenges, adoption intentions (barriers/facilitators and practical support mechanisms. All were likely to influence the level and rate of adoption of PA technologies amongst family farmers in China. The research revealed an openness to the potential of PA technologies amongst family farmers, although there was heterogeneity in the perceptions of PA technology and willingness to adopt. Improved rates of adoption will be achieved by reducing the barriers to adoption, including the need for low-cost PA applications that can be applied at small scale, improved information provision, financial support mechanisms including more accessible subsidies and credit, and reliable, regulated and affordable service provision.

Automated summary

The potential of precision agriculture technologies among family farmers in China was revealed through an exploratory qualitative study. However, there is heterogeneity in their perceptions and willingness to adopt these technologies. To improve adoption rates, barriers need to be reduced through low-cost applications, improved information provision, financial support mechanisms, and reliable, regulated and affordable service provision.