Access and function of oil palm farmers to information and communication technology in Riau Province, Indonesia

Abstract

Abstract Based on a 2018 study, it was discovered that nearly 60% of oil palm farmers in Riau Province have embraced the use of smartphones. This trend presents an opportunity for information and communication technology to be leveraged in oil palm development initiatives. The research aimed to explore how oil palm farmers utilize technology and access information. The survey method was employed, and respondents were selected from two districts in Riau Province where oil palm plantations have been developed and replanted. Only farmers who use smartphones were included, resulting in a sample size of 279. The study utilized quantitative descriptive analysis to examine farmers’ access to and use of smartphone technology. The findings show that farmers primarily use smartphones for entertainment, with WhatsApp and Facebook being the most popular apps. However, only 16% of farmers use their smartphones to check palm oil prices online, and a mere 3% have accessed websites for knowledge and skills relevant to oil palm farming. The study recommends the creation of social media apps that are user-friendly, easily accessible, and present information in a clear and understandable format.