Survey on Informatization Status of Farmers for Introducing Ubiquitous Agriculture Information System

Abstract

Purpose: The modern IT can give enormous impacts on the agricultural production and consumption. However, farmer's ability to use IT devices has been known as one of the critical factors on success of IT in agriculture. This survey study was performed to evaluate the informatization status of farmers and to draw a strategy to develop and distribute a ubiquitous agricultural information system. Methods: A survey questionnaire with 19 questions on the degree of IT devices such as computers and smartphones and their utilization were developed. The survey was questioned 3 groups of farmers in Gyounggi Province and analyzed statistically by the χ 2 test. Results: The order of IT devices distribution were computers, smartphones, smart TVs and tablet PCs in all groups. The ratios of ownerships of the devices are 97.7, 78.6%, 31.4%, 17.8% respectively. The active farmers in this survey showed higher informatization level than that of native and the general farmers. Conclusions: The ubiquitous agricultural information system was judged to be developed for the computer because spread and use of it exceeds the other devices. Also, the information system based on the smartphone could be a complementary way if the rapid of the smartphones continues and proper education on use of the phone is provided.