The Digital Divide in Farming: A Problem of Access or Engagement?. (13th July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hennessy, Thia; Läpple, Doris; Moran, Brian
• Is Part Of: Applied economic perspectives and policy. Volume 38:Number 3(2016)
• Page Start: 474
• Page End: 491
• Publication Date: 2016-07-13
• Subjects: agriculture -- computer access -- farm business -- digital divide; Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- Periodicals; Agriculture and state -- Periodicals; 338.105
• DOI: 10.1093/aepp/ppw015
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2040-5790

Abstract

Abstract: This article explores farmers' use of computers for farm business purposes by analyzing the computer access and usage decisions of almost 900 Irish farmers. The findings reveal that computer ownership is influenced by a combination of farm business and household characteristics, but that farm business characteristics dominate if the computer is used for the business. More detailed findings suggest that computers are most likely to be used on larger dairy farms, while farmers who are living alone have limited access to computers. Public policy needs to support the adoption of information technologies, and the role of computers in tackling social isolation and providing farm information is critically discussed.