دانلود رایگان مقاله پذیرش سیستم های اطلاعات مدیریت مزرعه (FMIS) توسط کشاورزان مرکزی برزیل

abstract

This paper examined the determining factors in decisions of citrus farmers on adoption of computers and Farm Management Information Systems (FMIS). Primary data were collected from a random representative sample of 98 citrus farmers from the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The data was analyzed using logit and count data (Poisson regression) models, which enabled testing hypotheses on the effect of ten variables on the decisions of farmers. The results of the logit model showed that education and production size had a positive and statistically significant effect on the adoption of computers, while experience had a negative effect. The adoption and intensity of use of FMIS were influenced positively by overconfidence in management, production size and use of technical assistance. Contract adjustments and farmers’ experience have a negative impact on the adoption of FMIS. The results confirmed the main hypotheses and can contribute to the development of new strategies for greater diffusion of FMIS in Brazilian citrus industry, which is relevant to increasing farm efficiency.

5. Conclusions

Despite the increasing diffusion of IT since the 1990s, Brazilian agriculture is still characterized by low adoption of computers and decision-making support systems (IBGE, 2006; Mendes et al., 2014). Greater diffusion of these technologies is important for generating production efficiency gains and improving the income of farmers (Souza Filho et al., 2011; Carrer et al., 2015). The objective of the present study was to examine the determinants of adoption of computers and FMIS by Brazilian citrus farms. It was found that education and production revenue had a positive effect on the adoption of computers, whereas production experience of farmer adversely affected adoption. In the case of FMIS adoption and intensity of use, the significant variables and their respective effects were: experience (), overconfidence in management (+), production revenue (+), technical assistance (+) and contractual adjustments (). Based on these results, the following suggestions can increase the diffusion of these management technologies in Brazilian citrus industry:

(I) Training of farmers and rural extension agents and dissemination of information about technologies

In the short term, it is not possible to increase the educational level of farmers so that they can adequately understand the benefits and use different technologies. However, it is possible to increase the availability of courses and short-term training and encourage the dissemination of these courses and training programs through agricultural extension policies. It is also important that these courses reach more experienced farmers (those less likely to adopt technologies), training them in their use and changing their perceptions of the benefits resulting from the adoption of management technologies. Technology diffusion agents also need to be better trained and motivated to further spread technology in Brazilian agriculture. In other words, it is necessary to train human resources in Brazilian agribusiness.