The intentions of agricultural professionals towards diffusing wireless sensor networks: Application of technology acceptance model in Southwest Iran

Abstract

BackgroundWireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are environmentally friendly technology supporting more timely and cost-effective farm management and production. Noting that the adoption rate of WSNs is particularly low in emerging and developing countries, agricultural professionals can play a key role in facilitating WSN adoption through dedicated training and extension activities. ObjectiveThis study examines the determinants of the agricultural professionals' intention towards WSN diffusion using an extended version of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). MethodologyData was collected from 109 professionals in Khuzestan province, Southwest Iran. The data was analysed using a Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) approach in SPSS Amos. ResultsThe key constructs of an original TAM significantly affected the intention expressed by the professions and explained 40 % of its variance. By adding additional constructs of knowledge, confidence, social influence and facilitating conditions, the extended TAM significantly improved the explanatory power of the original model to 54 %. By adding control variables, the inclusive TAM explained 60 % of the variation in the professionals' intention. ConclusionThe findings of this study provide a clearer understanding of the decisive factors affecting the promotion of WSNs and can provide a valuable frame for policy and decision-makers to develop WSN policy and practical plans.