Assessment of potential for adoption of wireless sensor network technology for irrigation water management of high value crops in the Philippines

Abstract

This study assessed the potential for adoption of wireless sensor technology (WSN) technology for irrigation water management of high value crops in the Philippines through market survey with farm owners and farm managers as respondents. Surveys were conducted in various regions in the country using non-random sampling methods. The survey basically includes questions about farm information, problems related to water management, familiarity with WSN, and willingness to adopt, among others. Based on the results, 83% of the respondents expressed willingness to adopt the WSN technology if properly demonstrated and if it will give a high return on investment. On the other hand, 76% of the respondents are willing to adopt WSN regardless of the costs provided there is a high return on investment. However, only a little more than half of the respondents are willing to adopt the WSN technology for the sake of modernization. Results also showed a strong potential for adoption of WSN technology using locally-developed sensors with 81% of the respondents providing affirmative answers. Chi-square test results indicated that sex, gross annual household income, membership to farmer’s association, land tenure status, and familiarity with WSN technology are the primary determinants of the potential for adoption regardless of the conditions imposed. However, educational attainment also played a role in the adoption of WSN technology if the purpose is agricultural modernization and if there is a higher return on investment despite some budgetary allocation for the initial costs. Results of this study could serve as a basis for developing commercialization schemes, strategies for upscaling and for agricultural policy formulation.