Lived Experiences of Digital Technology Adoption among Young Farmers in Remote Agricultural Communities: A Phenomenological Study
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Abstract
Agricultural digitalization has become increasingly vital for enhancing productivity and sustainability in rural communities, yet the subjective experiences of young farmers aged 18-30 in remote agricultural regions of [specific geographic area, e.g., Eastern Indonesia] navigating this technological transformation remain underexplored. While previous research has highlighted technical and economic aspects of digital adoption, there is limited understanding of how this specific group perceive, interpret, and adapt to these changes in their daily lives. This study addresses the gap by asking: How do young farmers experience and make sense of adopting digital technology for agriculture in remote settings? Using an interpretative phenomenological approach, this research investigates the lived experiences of twelve young farmers, focusing on the meanings they assign to technological change. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews and analyzed thematically to identify key patterns and themes. The results reveal that the adoption process is shaped by initial uncertainty, the importance of peer support, evolving professional identity, and resilience in the face of ongoing challenges. These findings suggest that technology integration is a complex, socially and personally influenced process rather than solely driven by technical or economic factors. By illuminating the depth and richness of participants’ experiences, this study provides new insights for policymakers, extension agents, and researchers interested in supporting sustainable digital transformation in agriculture. Future research should conduct longitudinal or comparative studies across different regions and demographic groups to better understand the evolving impacts of digital adoption in agriculture.
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