Smart Farming Technology and Its Socioeconomic Impact on Smallholder Farmers: A Case Study from the Fisheries Sector

Abstract

This study examines the socioeconomic impact of smart farming technologies on smallholder fishers within the fisheries sector, addressing concerns about the inclusivity and effectiveness of digital innovations in marginalized rural communities. The research aims to analyze how tools such as automated feeding systems, IoT-based water quality monitoring, and mobile marketing platforms influence productivity, income, labor dynamics, and social resilience among small-scale fish farmers. Conducted over six months in a rural aquaculture community in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, the study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining structured surveys of 50 fishers, in-depth interviews with 15 key informants, and field observations. Findings indicate that technology adoption led to significant increases in fish yield (15–25%) and household income (10–30%), while also fostering more inclusive gender roles and enabling alternative livelihood activities. However, barriers such as high initial costs, technical maintenance challenges, and limited digital literacy constrain widespread adoption. The study concludes that smart farming technologies can substantially improve socioeconomic outcomes for smallholder fishers if complemented by institutional support and capacity-building efforts. This research contributes to the understanding of technology adoption as a complex sociotechnical process and provides practical insights for policymakers and development practitioners aiming to promote sustainable, equitable digital transformation in fisheries.