Farmers’ Intention Towards Investing in Agriculture 4.0 in Marginal and Non-marginal Conditions

Abstract

 Agriculture 4.0 enhances efficiency, sustainability, and yields while supporting climate change mitigation and adaptation. This study explores the adoption of Agriculture 4.0 among 131 durum wheat farmers in Sardinia, focusing on differences between marginal and non-marginal areas. Using an extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) framework, which includes perceived performance risk, the study identifies key factors influencing adoption. Facilitating conditions positively impact the adoption intentions, and perceived performance risk has a negative impact. However, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and price value don’t significantly affect adoption intentions. Policy recommendations include financial support, technical advice access, training programs, and awareness campaigns to promote adoption. These interventions aim to address barriers and foster equitable integration of Agriculture 4.0 technologies across diverse farming contexts.