Digital Divide in Agricultural Production Technology among Farmers of Different Age Groups in Chiang Yuen District, Maha Sarakham Province.

Abstract

        This research aimed to investigate the behaviors and problems associated with the use of digital technology in agricultural production, as well as to compare the levels of usage among farmers of different age groups in Chiang Yuen District, Maha Sarakham Province. Data were collected from a sample of 304 farmers using simple random sampling and structured interviews. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and hypothesis testing was conducted via the Kruskal-Wallis H Test. The farmers were categorized into three age cohorts: young farmers (18–45 years), middle-aged farmers (46–55 years), and pre-elderly farmers (56 years and above). The findings revealed that all participating farmers utilized digital technology via smartphones and engaged in self-directed learning. The most frequently used platforms were YouTube and LINE, accounting for 88.2% and 87.1%, respectively. The level of digital technology usage was high during the crop maintenance stage but remained low in the post-harvest and marketing stages. A comparative analysis by age group indicated a statistically significant difference at the .05 level solely in the production preparation stage. Young farmers exhibited the highest average usage level, which was not significantly different from that of middle-aged farmers, whereas pre-elderly farmers demonstrated the lowest usage level. No significant differences were observed among the age groups during the production and post-production stages. Regarding problems and obstacles, pre-elderly farmers faced physical limitations and negative attitudes toward their digital identity, perceiving themselves as unsuited for adopting technology in agriculture. Conversely, the younger cohorts were primarily concerned with cost-effectiveness and production costs. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the government should shift its strategic focus from merely providing infrastructure access to developing strategic digital skills. Training curricula should be specifically designed to align with the distinct identities and limitations of farmers in each age cohort. This targeted approach will help bridge the digital divide in agricultural applications and foster long-term sustainability in the agricultural sector.