Students' perceptions of future technology use in agriculture: A NZ UK comparison

Abstract

Agricultural systems are currently experiencing a wave of new technological developments. The technology ranges from plant or animal recognition software and smart irrigation using sensors to the development of E-fences. Technology such as virtual trading venues and methods using block-chain are also currently in development (Lin et al. 2017). These technologies could lead to large and potentially disruptive changes in agricultural systems (Small, 2017). However, the adoption rates of new technologies has been highly variable (Miller, Griffin, Ciampitti, & Sharda, 2018). Adoption rates of technology can be estimated based on specific attributes of the technology and how it will be used (Kuehne et al., 2017), though this can be difficult with new and emerging technology. An alternative approach which will be used in this study, is the Theory of Reasoned Action (Fishbein & Ajzen, 1975). This theory aims to explain how individuals will behave based on their existing attitudes and behavioural intentions and could be useful for examining the factors influencing adoption of future technologies. Current agricultural students are the farmers, researchers and rural professionals of the future. Their attitudes and beliefs towards technology will influence its integration into farming systems and how ethical concerns will have to be addressed