Proposing a theoretical framework for identifying and measuring digital farmers
Digital transformation in agriculture has created a need to identify and assess digital farmers. However, a widely accepted definition and standardized assessment framework remain lacking. Based on a literature review and theoretical analysis, this study proposes a theoretical framework for identifying and assessing digital farmers through three dimensions: digital access, digital competence, and digital technology use. A digital farmer is defined as a farmer who has digital access, possesses the necessary digital competencies, and actually uses digital technologies in agricultural production and business activities. The proposed framework comprises 20 indicators of digital technology use across six domains, 35 digital competence indicators across seven domains, and three digital access indicators. Digital technology use and digital competence are classified into basic and advanced categories. The study further proposes a method for classifying farmers into four levels of digital technology use and four levels of digital competence, based on specified criteria and thresholds. This framework provides a basis for assessing farmers’ digital development and designing targeted support policies. Further empirical research is needed to validate the proposed indicators and classification thresholds.
Keywords: digital farmer, digital access, digital competence, digital technology use, assessment framework.
