ANALYSIS OF FACTORS INFLUENCING AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION WORKERS IN ADOPTING SMART TECHNOLOGY IN WEST JAVA

Abstract

Agriculture plays a central role in Indonesia's economy, especially in rural areas such as Garut Regency, West Java. In the face of technological advancements, the adoption of smart technology is important to improve agricultural efficiency. This study aims to understand the factors that influence the adoption of smart technology by agricultural extension workers in Garut Regency and formulate strategies to increase the adoption of such technology. The research method includes primary and secondary data. The results showed that factors such as technological infrastructure, awareness and education, institutional support, resources, trust, culture, economic benefits, and regulations influence the adoption of smart technologies. Collaboration between the government, educational institutions, agricultural organizations, and the private sector is needed to increase technology adoption. Agricultural extension workers in Garut Regency have a positive perception of smart technology, indicating great potential for its adoption. This is expected to support sustainable growth and development in Garut's agricultural sector. This study aims to analyze the factors that influence the decision of agricultural extension workers in adopting smart technology in West Java. In the context of globalization and technological advancement, the adoption of smart technologies has become the key to improving agricultural productivity and sustainability. However, at the agricultural extension level, the adoption of smart technology still faces a number of challenges. Agricultural extension officers play an important role in connecting technology with farmers, but their decision to adopt smart technology is influenced by complex factors such as knowledge, access to technology, institutional support, and socio-cultural aspects. Through quantitative and qualitative approaches, this study will investigate these factors and identify strategies to increase the adoption of smart technologies at the agricultural extension level. The results of this study are expected to provide valuable insights for policy makers and agricultural practitioners to strengthen the agricultural extension system and accelerate the adoption of smart technologies in West Java, which in turn will contribute to increased agricultural productivity and farmer welfare as well as the sustainability of the agricultural sector as a whole.