Beyond Adoption: Drivers, Challenges and Farmer-Led Recommendations for Sustained “Internet of Things” (IoT) Use in Malaysian Smallholder Farming

Smart farming technologies are essential for enhancing food security and the welfare of the farmers. The Internet of Things (IoT) facilitates real-time monitoring and administration of agricultural activities. In Malaysia, IoT is vigorously endorsed through the National Agrofood Policy 2.0 and Agriculture 4.0, yet its implementation and sustained utilization are inconsistent. Previous research has mostly emphasized quantitative determinants of adoption, leaving farmers' lived experiences largely unexplored. This study examines the factors, obstacles, and farmers’ generated suggestions for the adoption of IoT among farmers in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan. In these two central region states, smart farming efforts are vigorously encouraged. A semi-structured interview was performed with 10 farmers who had utilized IoT for over one year, and the data were thematically analyzed to discern factors affecting acceptance, obstacles faced, and farmers’ suggestions. The results indicated that adoption is influenced by perceived utility, user friendliness, institutional and external assistance, elevated expenses, technological apprehension, and operational challenges. To strengthen the adoption, they recommended strengthening system usability, augmenting technical support and accountability, securing ongoing government backing, broadening training options, offering financial aid, and presenting solutions that demonstrate the real value.