Leveraging quick response (QR) Codes for horticultural information access: A stakeholder perspective

Abstract

In the context of horticulture’s crucial role in economic growth, nutritional security and employment, the sector faces challenges related to dissemination of credible scientific information, particularly in rural areas. The gap in information access leads farmers to rely on experiential knowledge and peer opinions. Leveraging information and communication technology (ICT), specifically quick response (QR) codes, presents an innovative solution to bridge this information gap. This paper investigates stakeholders’ awareness, utilization, size and display distance and constraints in utilizing QR codes for accessing horticultural information. The findings indicated that 93.33% of the respondents reported previous usage, highlighting the technology’s ubiquity and acceptance. Moreover, stakeholders expressed positive inclination towards QR code adoption for accessing horticultural information, with 53.33% expressing likelihood to embrace QR technology. Effect of QR code size on the display board and their display distance on the usability and adoption was also studied, which indicated, 71.22% accessed QR codes on large displays of size 8" x 11", while, 16.66% accessed them on small displays of size 4" x 5". However, despite the positive reception, several challenges impede QR code utilization. Poor internet network connectivity (mean score: 71.00) during National Horticultural Fair (NHF-2024) emerges as a significant barrier, alongside entrenched preferences for traditional methods (mean score: 69.00). By aligning QR code designs with stakeholders’ preferences and addressing constraints, horticultural stakeholders can leverage QR codes more effectively, fostering knowledge dissemination and driving horticultural development.