According to a report by Philstar Biz, technology infrastructure is foundational to digital agriculture, but access and connectivity are only the beginning. Across ASEAN countries, smallholder farmers need more than just internet and devices to adopt and sustain digital farming practices.
The report emphasizes that meeting smallholder farmers halfway requires community-wide support systems that build trust and provide ongoing assistance. Without such support, digital tools risk being abandoned after initial adoption. Trust in the technology and in the institutions promoting it is crucial for long-term engagement.
Sustaining digital agriculture in the region thus hinges on integrating social and infrastructural elements. Policymakers and stakeholders must focus on creating an ecosystem where farmers feel confident and capable of using digital tools to improve productivity and livelihoods.