Information Technology Usage for Palm Production by Farmers in Krabi Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to study 1) the socio-economic characteristics of oil palm farmers in Krabi Province; 2) their exposure to news and information about oil palm production; 3) their usage of information technology; 4) characteristics of appropriate information technology for learning of oil palm production; and 5) problems and suggestions for using information technology. This was a survey research. The population were 370 oil palm farmers who participated in the oil palm production project in Krabi Province. The sample size of 132 were determined using the Yamane method at 0.07 confidence level and samples were chosen through simple random sampling method. Data were collected by questionnaires and analyzed using the descriptive statistics of frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. The results showed that 1) most farmers used smart phones (with an emphasis on Internet connection). 2) Most farmers were exposed to news and information about oil palm farming through independent study, training sessions, and by asking government officials. They learned the most from meetings and training sessions. 3) Most farmers used information technology to gain knowledge and to keep abreast of news. The main types of information technology they used were mobile phones and the Line application. 4) in the aspect of information technology devices, most of the farmers strongly agreed that information technology was appropriate for accessing information quickly and easily, and for learning things they could apply directly. In the aspect of forms and types of content, they strongly agreed that information technology was appropriate in terms of being compatible with their needs, useful for palm production and marketing, as well as truthful and accurate. 5) Most farmers had difficulty in understanding or accessing information technology for oil palm production.