Computer system uptake and use on New Zealand farms : 1998 and 1993 comparisons

Abstract

A national postal survey of 3,021 randomly selected primary producers was conducted over late 1997 - early 1998 to investigate the penetration of “on-farm” computers and clarify details of their use. The sample was stratified by geographical location, farm type and physical area. The response rate (49.5%) was exceptional with 1,437 valid replies being received by the mid-April 1998 cut-off date. For other than farms less than 75 hectares the responding sample was very similar to the total population. Computer penetration has now reached 42.72% of the sample compared with 6% in 1986 and 24.40% in 1993. The “computer farms” tend to be larger than non-computer farms, the managers tend to have higher levels of formal education, they tend to be younger, and they tend to be involved in more off-farm businesses. The main reasons for not owning a computer include “no use to me”, “too expensive”, “not economic” and “couldn’t learn to use”. From ownership/intended ownership details it appears the uptake rate is probably at a maximum now. By far the majority of computers are “IBM compatible”. Computer use is around 20 hours per month with word processing, financial recording and analysis as well as financial budgeting continuing to be the important uses. The farm manager and his or her spouse are the main business use operators (78.5%). Most users (89%) believe a computer is an economic investment. Of increasing importance is the use of the Internet with some 3 hours/month spent on Internet access and communication. Currently 28% of computer users have a connection, but a further 40% indicate they will connect in the next two years. E-mail is the main use of the Internet but “entertainment and fun” as well as technical information gathering are important uses. Some 47% believe the Internet is valuable or better with 37% still being neutral or undecided. Users await further developments. Generally, there are few differences when the data is divided by farm type, suggesting most managers view a computer similarly for all production types. Of major significance is the conclusion that computer owners and non-owners are not inherently different in their objectives. While further work on a wide range of variables is necessary, this suggests training programmes and software need not be markedly different for each sector.