Use of Drones for Agriculture Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Sarawak: The Youths' Perceptions

• Published in: Proceedings - 2022 International Conference on Computer and Drone Applications, IConDA 2022
• Main Authors: Lee W.C., Voon B.H.
• Format: Conference Paper
• Language: English
• Published: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc. 2022
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85146670223&doi=10.1109%2fICONDA56696.2022.10000368&partnerID=40&md5=7a46a3400a1b97e16281b2b6799eae3b

Strategic adoption of new and relevant agricultural technologies is an important factor influencing the productivity and socio-economic well-being of farmers and in the agriculture industry. In view of the increasing role of agriculture in Sarawak, amidst the fast-emerging economy of Borneo, this paper aims to explore youths' perceptions of use of drones for agriculture and to identify several factors that affect the use of drones in agriculture SMEs. Twenty-five student respondents were selected for the survey through quota sampling. The perceptions of the youth on the use of drones, the challenges of using drones and ways to increase the use of drones were identified in the WhatsApp survey. Their suggestions were obtained. The findings show that there are several factors affecting the SMEs decision in using drones. Among the factors are customer service quality, trust towards the usage of drones and cost effectiveness when using drones. These factors can encourage youths and agriculture SMEs to use drones as a tool to improve agriculture productivity and sustainability. Agriculture policy makers and drone providers thus can focus on improving these factors and creating awareness among the agriculture SMEs the usage of drones. Consequently, the sustainability and productivity of agriculture in Sarawak is assured. © 2022 IEEE.