Smart Farming: Integrating IoT and UAV Technologies for Precision Agriculture through the Lens of Technology Acceptance and the UTAUT2 Model

Abstract

This article employs the UTAUT2 (Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2) model and the lens of technology acceptance for examining the transformative potential of integrating Internet of Things (IoT) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technologies in precision agriculture. It covers developments in smart agricultural systems, how these technologies might be used to improve crop management, and the issues that arise when putting them into practice. Using the UTAUT2 paradigm, special attention is placed on comprehending the factors driving the acceptance of IoT and UAV technologies in precision agriculture. It is emphasised how important these technologies cotributed to the Malaysian plantation sector, where their implementation can result in appreciable increases in productivity, sustainability, and efficiency. Using a qualitative methodology, this study synthesises findings from pertinent publications and journals published between 2019 to the present. Using the UTAUT2 model as a framework, the analysis focusses on the effects of IoT and UAV technologies on precision agriculture, finding important factors influencing their acceptance and integration into farming methods. The findings for this article are categorized based on the constructs of the UTAUT2 model; performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivation, price value and habit. IoT and UAV technologies have a wide range of real-world uses in precision agriculture. IoT devices have the ability to automatically control irrigation systems, detect weather patterns, and monitor the health of the soil. UAVs can be used for a variety of activities, including yield estimation, pest detection, and crop reconnaissance. Precision farming techniques are made possible by these technologies, which increase productivity and efficiency. The distinctive feature of this study resides in its complete evaluation of the latest breakthroughs and research findings on the integration of IoT and UAV technologies in precision agriculture, while applying the UTAUT2 model to understand technological acceptance. This paper contributes to the growing body of knowledge in smart farming by synthesising recent studies and applying the UTAUT2 framework to provide updated insights into the advantages, obstacles, and factors influencing the acceptance of these technologies.