Topic 08: Assessing the Current State of Digitalisation and Challenges in the Oil Palm Plantation Sector in Peninsular Malaysia

Assessing the Current State of Digitalisation and Challenges in the Oil Palm Plantation Sector in Peninsular Malaysia

Dr. Nur’aina Daud

Lead Researcher
Universiti Teknologi MARA

Prof. Ts. Dr. Hjh Anitawati Mohd Lokman

Team Member
Universiti Teknologi MARA

Ts. Dr. Surya Sumarni Hussein

Team Member
Universiti Malaysia Kelantan

Ms. Saidatul Rahah Hamidi

Team Member
Universiti Teknologi MARA

Dr. Shuhaida Mohamed Shuhidan

Team Member
Universiti Teknologi Petronas

Dr. Zainab Idris

Team Member
Malaysian Palm Oil Board

Mr. Mohamad Fairus Mohd Hidzir

Team Member
Malaysian Palm Oil Board

01 ABSTRACT

This research explores the gradual uptake of digital technologies within Malaysia’s oil palm plantation sector, despite the nation’s overall digital advancements. Focused on Peninsular Malaysia, the study, utilising UTAUT2 and Lokman’s Emotion and Importance Quadrant (LEIQ)™ frameworks, aims to comprehend and identify the current state of digitalisation, as well as the challenges hindering the acceptance and adoption of digitalisation in the oil palm plantation sector. The focus of the study is on agro-commodity companies operating in the oil palm plantation sector to highlight the current state and the challenges of acceptance and adoption for future technological advancements in the oil palm industry. Despite the economic significance of the sector, it faces hurdles in embracing digital technologies, as this study revealed a moderate level of digitalisation which is 72.26 per cent acceptance and adoption rate. The study identifies challenges such as habituation to technology, facilitating conditions, technologicalknowledge gaps, price value, and worklife balance. Enhancing comprehension of these challenges is imperative for industry stakeholders and policymakers seeking to adeptly steer the course of digital transformation. This understanding stands to enhance productivity, efficiency, and sustainability within the domain of the oil palm plantation sector. Future research should build on these findings to formulate targeted policies and plans to address challenges and align with user expectations to promote a more technologically adaptive landscape in the oil palm sector.
Keywords: Digital Adoption, Oil Palm Plantation, Technology Acceptance, UTAUT2, LEIQ™

02 introduction

Digitalisation, characterised by the integration of digital technology into various facets of society, plays a pivotal role in enhancing efficiency, effectiveness, and overall performance across diverse sectors, including businesses and industries (Mcfadden, 2022). The potential of digital technologies in empowering decisionmaking processes is underscored by Jouanjean (2019), who highlights their application in the agricultural sector to bolster productivity, sustainability, and resilience. This infusion of technology not only benefits farmers but also opens avenues for efficiency and value creation within the agricultural supply chains, influencing research, innovation, and traceability (Jouanjean, 2019). In line with the global trend towards digitalisation, recent times have seen the Malaysian government’s launch of the Malaysia Digital Initiative, aiming to cultivate emerging digital economy sectors and replace the Multimedia Super Corridor agenda (Chandrasekaran et al., 2022).

Despite the pervasive adoption of digital technology in Malaysia, certain industries, particularly agriculture, have lagged behind in this transition (Santiago, 2021). Agriculture, a cornerstone of Malaysia’s GDP, is crucial for economic growth, as emphasised in the National Key Economic Areas initiative. However, its hesitance to embrace digital solutions hinders its growth potential, creating an opportune moment for policymakers to harness digital technologies for fortifying policy design, implementation, and monitoring, as highlighted by Jouanjean (2019). Within Malaysia’s agricultural landscape, the oil palm plantation sector commands attention due to its robust research capabilities and effective extension systems. This sector stands as a prime exponent of Malaysia’s agricultural research prowess, with significant contributions to agricultural trade exports, particularly in oil palm and paddy production (International Trade Administration, 2022).

The advancements of technologies in the digital economy, particularly in agriculture, has the potential to significantly transform farming practices by improving efficiency, sustainability, and precision. Despite the potential benefits of data-driven insights for precision, efficiency, and sustainability in farming, the level and rate of digitalisation in Malaysia’s oil palm plantation sector are lagging. While Sarawak and Sabah boast the largest oil palm plantations accounting for 28.6 per cent and 26.6 per cent of the total Malaysian oil palm planted area, respectively, our research has chosen to focus on Peninsular Malaysia, which comprises 44.8 per cent of the total planted area (MPOB, 2022). The decision to narrow our research to Peninsular Malaysia is driven by practical considerations, including the limited six-month timeframe for our study. Given the vastness of oil palm cultivation in Sarawak and Sabah, covering all respondents in these states within our time constraints would be unfeasible. Therefore, this research concentrates on Peninsular Malaysia to ensure a comprehensive and in-depth analysis within the available time frame. This research aims to analyse the current state of digitalisation in Peninsular Malaysia’s oil palm plantation sectors and to identify challenges to acceptance and adoption.

The research aims to analyse the current state of digitalisation in Peninsular Malaysia’s oil palm plantation sector and identify challenges to acceptance and adoption. Henceforth, the research sets its objective to measure the rate and the level of digitalisation acceptance and adoption within the oil palm plantation sector in Peninsular Malaysia using the UTAUT2 model; and to identify the issues and challenges contributing to digitalisation acceptance and adoption using LEIQ™.

03 literature review

Digital Divide and Digital Technology Adoption

The digital divide refers to discrepancies in ICT (Information and Communications Technology) access, utilisation, and outcomes. Customers or clients may be unable to use technology or AI systems because they lack access to the most recent personal technology (such as smartphones, tablets, etc.), Internet connectivity, or ICT skills (Ghandour, 2021). In contrast, according to Charness and Boot (2022), systems that use adaptive technology to mix extended reality with AR intelligence provide exciting new approaches to overcoming the digital divide imposed by an individual’s age.

Education emerges as a major contributor to the digital divide, as highlighted by Lythreatis and colleagues (2022). While addressing the digital gap is crucial, particularly in the context of agricultural production, rural communities can benefit from the ongoing adoption and accessibility of digital technologies, irrespective of their direct connection to agriculture. Encouraging farmers and professionals in this sector to embrace modern technologies is crucial for enhancing the competitiveness of the agricultural sector. The integration of digital technology in agriculture holds the potential for various benefits, including cost reduction and improved product quality (Bolfe et al., 2020).

However, challenges may arise in the digitisation process due to the digital divide. Insufficient access to technology infrastructure and low levels of digital literacy in rural areas may hinder the adoption of digital technologies. While digital technologies improve production in plantation industries, they have little to no impact on the wellbeing and income of small-scale farmers in rural areas (Rosnan & Yusof, 2023).

Technology Applications in Agriculture

Within the dynamic landscape of modern agriculture, technology applications play an important role in transforming traditional practice and enhancing crop production. This section explores two (2) significant areas which are application of big data analytics in agriculture and the list of smart tool technologies available in the agriculture domain particularly in the oil palm plantation sector.

Application of Big Data Analytics in Agriculture

The applications of big data analytics in agriculture are quite diverse, but here are some of the most notable ones, such as precision agriculture, crop monitoring, yield prediction, disease detection, and supply chain optimisation (Coble et al., 2018).

In precision agriculture, big data analytics can be used to identify patterns and trends in soil moisture, temperature, and other environmental factors, allowing farmers to optimise their use of resources like water and fertiliser (Jatav et al., 2019, Kaur et al., 2021).

Whereas in crop monitoring, the data from sensors and other sources, farmers can be analysed to gain insights into the health and growth of their crops, allowing them to take corrective action when necessary. Concerning crop monitoring, it can drive yield prediction, disease detection and supply chain monitoring. Big data analytics can be used to model and predict crop yields based on various factors, such as weather patterns, soil quality, and historical yield data.

Other than that, by analysing data from sensors and other sources, farmers can identify signs of disease or infestation in their crops and take action before it spreads. Furthermore, by analysing data on crop yields, weather patterns, and other factors, agricultural companies can optimise their supply chains to ensure that crops are delivered to market as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.

Overall, big data analytics has the potential to revolutionise the way we approach agriculture, by enabling farmers and agricultural companies to make more informed decisions based on data-driven insights.

Smart Tools

Smart tools in agriculture are technological devices and software applications that use data analytics, artificial intelligence, and other advanced technologies to optimise agricultural operations and increase productivity (Alreshidi, 2019; Mohamed et al., 2021; Saiz-Rubio & Rovira-Más, 2020). These tools can help farmers and agricultural businesses make better decisions about planting, harvesting, and managing crops.

Here are some examples of smart tools in agriculture (Liu et al., 2018; Saiz-Rubio & Rovira-Más, 2020; Khan et al., 2021):

Sensors

Sensors can be placed in the soil to monitor soil moisture, temperature, and nutrient levels. This data can be used to optimise irrigation and fertilisation practices and reduce water waste.

Drones

Drones have the potential to revolutionise plantation management by offering numerous benefits and applications. Equipped with advanced sensors and imaging technologies, drones provide real-time, highresolution data on crop health, irrigation needs, pest infestations, and vegetation monitoring. To comprehensively explore the potential of drones, it is crucial to understand the industry’s expectations regarding their usage and identify areas where they seek to expand drone applications, along with the associated challenges.

Precision farming software

Precision farming software uses data analytics and machine learning algorithms to analyse data collected from sensors and drones to create customised planting and harvesting plans. This can help farmers increase yields, reduce waste, and save time and resources.

Automated machinery

Automated machinery, such as robotic harvesters, can increase efficiency and reduce labour costs. These machines can be programmed to perform specific tasks, such as picking and sorting crops.

Weather forecasting tools

Accurate weather forecasting can help farmers make informed decisions about when to plant, irrigate, and harvest.

Smart weather forecasting tools

Provide real-time data and alerts about weather patterns and potential risks.

Artifical Intelligence (AI)

AI technologies, including machine learning and data analytics, are increasingly being integrated into agricultural processes. AI can enable continuous data collection and analysis, allowing for automation in various aspects of farming. Machine learning algorithms can assist in crop management, disease detection, and yield prediction, ultimately enhancing decision-making and resource allocation in agriculture.

By integrating AI into these smart tools, agriculture can benefit from continuous data collection and machine learning, enabling automation and more informed decision-making. AI’s ability to process vast amounts of data and identify patterns is poised to further enhance the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural practices.

Foundation of Digitalisation in Agriculture

Over the past 26 years, Australian agriculture has demonstrated a remarkable capacity for productivity growth, setting a noteworthy standard for the industry (AgFunder, 2021). As part of digital agriculture priority, towards achieving the vision of Digital Economy Australian 2030, the Australian Government has identified five (5) foundational focus areas.

The first is leadership. To lead the transformation of the agricultural sector, it is crucial to enhance connection and coordination across the industry, encouraging the pooling of resources and providing a clear plan to unify stakeholders around collective long-term goals. Secondly is the skills. There is a need to focus on delivering the necessary skills and expertise required by both the current and future workforce to modernise the sector effectively. Effective data and governance practices, such as maximizing data use, ensuring good data management, implementing common data standards, and promoting interoperability, are essential for enhancing data and governance within the agricultural domain. Fourthly, opportunities and value propositions. Efforts should be directed towards helping producers understand and realise the benefits of digitising their businesses, ensuring appropriate and agile regulation, while fostering faster commercialisation. Lastly, it is imperative to assist agricultural businesses in understanding their connectivity options and facilitating access to the infrastructure they need for seamless integration into the digital landscape (AgFunder, 2021).

04 methodology

The research model employed for this study was the extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) model, utilised to assess the acceptance and adoption of Digitalisation Technology in the Malaysian Agriculture Sector. The original UTAUT model, developed by Venkatesh et al. (2003), aimed to explain and predict the acceptance of technology in an organisational context. It stands out as one (1) of the most comprehensive models in technology acceptance, integrating components from eight (8) prominent models in information technology research.

The UTAUT2 model, stemming from the UTAUT constructs, posits that hedonic motivation (HM), price value (PV), habit (HT), and time since the first use of the technology (comprising a total of seven (7) independent constructs or variables) collectively impact the intention to use technology. Behavioural Intention (BI) serves as the mediating variable, while Use Behaviour (USE) is the dependent variable. According to Venkatesh, Thong, and Xu (2012), the UTAUT2 model incorporates individual differences such as age, gender, and experience as moderators, influencing the effects of these constructs on BI and technology use. The UTAUT2 model is particularly applicable in the introductory phase, encompassing adoption and initial use, of the targeted technology. This study fully embraced the UTAUT2 model, with Figure 1 illustrating the UTAUT2 model.
Asset 1 (1679x1276)
Figure 1: UTAUT2 Model (Venkatesh et al., 2012)
While delving into the issues and challenges that impacted the adoption of digitalisation, this study established the groundwork for Lokman’s Emotion and Importance Quadrant (LEIQ™) model. This model, rooted in Kansei Engineering, served as a user-friendly tool for unveiling individuals’ implicit experiences related to digitalisation issues. The LEIQ™ model facilitated the identification of emotions and their influence on decision-making, productivity, well-being, and overall quality of life. It offered a structured framework for categorising these experiences, the contributing factors, and their significance in people’s interactions with specific stimuli.

In the context of this research, the LEIQ™ model was applied to comprehend challenges, facilitators, and future expectations directly from the primary sources—the individuals engaged in utilising technology within the sector. Utilising the emotion vs. importance axes, the model highlighted the significance of identified factors in shaping people’s implicit experiences. The quadrant, illustrated in Figure 2, comprised four (4) spaces.

1.  Positive experience and important quadrant
2.  Positive experience and not important quadrant
3.  Negative experience and importance quadrant
4.  Negative experience and not importance quadrant
Extra 1@3x (1)
Figure 2: The LEIQ™ Model by Lokman (2018)

05 finding and analysis

Analysis and Discussion on Current Rate and Level of Digitalisation Acceptance and Adoption within Oil Palm Plantation

This section presents the results based on the analysis of the data acquired through a quantitative survey questionnaire developed based on UTAUT2 constructs. This section gives an in-depth evaluation of the acceptance and adoption of digitalisation within the oil palm plantation industries in Malaysia. The study conducted a reliability test to recheck the knowledge of the study among the first 30 respondents through the questionnaire.
Table 1@3x
Table 1: Pilot Test Results
To check the reliability test, the values of Cronbach’s Alpha are calculated and recorded in Table 1. Based on the presented values for Cronbach’s Alpha in this table, it could be claimed that the reliability of the research measurement tool is statistically acceptable. Reliability is acceptable if Cronbach’s Alpha equals 0.7 or more (Tavakol & Dennick, 2011). The scales show good reliability with Cronbach’s Alphas > 0.7. The parameters were assessed how past interactions with these tools shaped their inclination to seamlessly incorporate them into their daily work routines. The structural equation modelling was executed to measure the acceptance of digitalisation/automation within the oil palm plantation sector in Peninsular Malaysia. This was because it consisted of many relationships from the parameters towards the dependent variable, which was Use Behaviour (UB). Further tests on 130 respondents were conducted, and the results are shown in Figure 3 and Table 2 below.
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Figure 3: The UTAUT2 Model of the Digitalisation Technology Acceptance and Adoption within the Oil Palm Plantation Sector in Peninsular Malaysia
The study validates all research hypotheses as evidenced by consistently positive coefficient values, indicating a positive impact on the indicator. Specifically, H1 is strongly supported with a significant coefficient of 0.674, confirming that performance positively influences the behavioural intention to adopt and use technologies among individuals in oil palm plantations. Additionally, effort expectancy, social influence, price value, hedonic motivation, facilitating conditions, and habit also exhibit positive impacts on individuals’ behavioural intentions in this context.

Furthermore, the established direct relationship affirms that behavioural intention, facilitating conditions, and habit positively influence the use behaviour of adopting and utilising technologies among individuals in oil palm plantations. Overall, the outcomes are robust with an impressive overall score of 0.59, signifying that 59 per cent of the total variation in technology adoption and use among individuals in oil palm plantations is explained by the specified independent indicators, with the remaining percentage attributed to other factors.
Table 2@3x
Table 2: Descriptive Analysis of Digitalisation Acceptance within the Oil Palm Plantation Sector in Peninsular Malaysia
Table 2 shows the descriptive analysis of the surveys. Performance Expectancy (PE) factor indicates the highest mean score of 4.169 out of 5.00, followed by Hedonic motivation (HE) with 4.128 out of 5.00, Social Influence (SI) with 3.946 out of 5.00, Behavioural Intention (BI) 3.903 out of 5.00, Effort Expectancy (EE) 3.787 out of 5.00, Facilitating Conditions (FC) 3.715 out of 5.00, Use Behaviour (UB) 3.613 out of 5.00, Price Value (PV) 3.603 out of 5.00, and Habit (HT) 3.554 out of 5.00. According to the results, this indicates that the level of adoption is mostly between agree and neutral in adopting and using the technologies among individuals working in oil palm plantations.
Asset 3 (1688x1070)
Figure 4: Rate and Level of Digitalisation within Peninsular Malaysia's Oil Palm Plantation Sector
The current rate and level of digitalisation within Peninsular Malaysia’s oil palm plantations that were measured by utilising the UTAUT2 model are shown in Figure 4. Thus, the results show moderate acceptance (72.26 per cent) for digitalisation within oil palm plantations, with a level between agree and neutral.

Analysis and Discussion for Issues and Challenges using LEIQ™

This section analysed and discussed the issues and challenges associated with the implementation of digitalisation within the oil palm plantation industry. The challenges identified through focus group discussions provided valuable insights into the obstacles faced by stakeholders in adopting and integrating technology into their daily work lives. These challenges were categorised into several themes, including habit, facilitating conditions, price value, technology literacy, technology challenges, technology hazards, and work-life balance. Each theme represented unique obstacles that needed to be addressed to ensure the successful implementation of digitalisation.

Challenges in Digitalisation Implementation within the Oil Palm Plantation Sector

Asset 4 (2225x903)
Figure 5: Significant Technology Adoption Challenges
After conducting a thorough analysis of the challenges highlighted by the participants during the FGD session, it became evident that three (3) primary themes posed significant obstacles to the successful implementation of digitalisation within the oil palm plantation sector. These themes were habit, facilitating conditions, and price value as depicted in Figure 5 above.

The theme of habit refers to the ingrained behaviours and routines that might inhibit the adoption and acceptance of digital technologies within the sector. Participants expressed concerns about resistance to change and the need to overcome existing habits to fully embrace digitalisation.

Facilitating conditions emerged as another prominent theme, underscoring the importance of having the necessary infrastructure, resources, and support systems in place to facilitate the implementation of digital technologies. Participants emphasised the need for reliable internet connectivity, adequate training, and technical support to ensure smooth and effective digitalisation processes.

Price value was identified as a significant factor influencing the adoption of digitalisation within the oil palm plantation sector. Participants expressed concerns about the cost-effectiveness and return on investment of implementing digital technologies. They emphasised the need for clear benefits and tangible outcomes to justify the financial investment required.

In addition to these main themes, further analysis of the challenges raised by participants revealed additional themes initially categorised as ‘Others’. Upon consolidation, these themes were further categorised as Technology Literacy and Work-Life Balance.

The theme of Technology Literacy encompassed participants’ concerns regarding the level of knowledge and skills required to effectively utilise digital technologies. They emphasised the need for training and educational programmes to enhance technology literacy among stakeholders.

Lastly, Work-life Balance emerged as a crucial theme, reflecting participants’ concerns about maintaining a healthy equilibrium between work responsibilities and personal life in the context of digitalisation. They stressed the importance of establishing clear boundaries, promoting flexibility, and addressing the potential negative impacts of digital technologies on work-life balance.

06 recommendations

Considering the challenges outlined in this study, it is vital for stakeholders in the oil palm industry to consider the following key recommendations for advancing the implementation of digital transformation.

Examining the challenges hindering the implementation of digital transformation

Stakeholders in the oil palm industry can derive significant benefits from a thorough analysis of the acceptance rate obtained from the survey. By carefully scrutinising the challenges that hinder the implementation of digital transformation, the stakeholders and the policymakers can acquire valuable insights to inform their decision-making processes. They also can devise effective strategies to ensure the successful implementation of digital technology in the oil palm sector, thereby paving the way for future advancements and growth.

Include a diverse range of locations and respondent sampling for future research

Future research should explore the applicability of these findings to different industries to enhance their broader relevance. Subsequent research should involve a more extensive and diverse sample to increase the representativeness of the findings and ensure a more comprehensive understanding of technology adoption challenges. Future studies should also encompass a more diverse range of locations to examine potential cross-cultural variations in technology adoption challenges and recommendations.

Investigate the impact of technology adoption on the oil palm industry

In terms of future work, further investigation is recommended to explore the long-term impact of technology adoption on the oil palm industry. This includes examining its effects on productivity, sustainability, and socio-economic factors. Understanding these long-term impacts will provide valuable insights for industry stakeholders and policymakers.

Identifying specific strategies and interventions

Future research should also concentrate on identifying specific strategies and interventions to address the challenges identified in the study. For example, developing training programmes to enhance technological literacy among industry professionals and promoting a culture of innovation within the industry can help overcome barriers to technology adoption.

Additionally, studies can be suggested to examine the role of government policies and regulations in facilitating technology adoption within the oil palm industry. This includes exploring the effectiveness of incentives for digitalisation and support for infrastructure development to create an enabling environment for technology adoption. Lastly, exploring the potential benefits of emerging technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), in the oil palm industry is an important area for future research. Investigating their applications in precision farming, resource optimisation, and supply chain management can uncover new opportunities for enhancing industry practices.

07 conclusion

In exploring the acceptance and adoption of digitalisation within Malaysia’s oil palm plantation sector, the study revealed a significant technological gap, with an acceptance to the adoption of digital solutions rate of 72.26 per cent. This gap persists despite the transformative potential of digital solutions to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and overall performance in plantation practices. Focused on Peninsular Malaysia due to practical constraints, the analysis highlighted critical challenges, including habituation to technology, insufficient facilitating conditions, knowledge gaps in technology, financial concerns, and issues related to work-life balance. These challenges impede the seamless integration of digital solutions within the oil palm plantation sector.

By employing models such as UTAUT2 and LEIQ™, the research identified challenges positively influencing the adoption of digitalisation. These insights are crucial for stakeholders, enabling them to formulate strategies and make informed decisions. Industry stakeholders could navigate the path to digital transformation more effectively by understanding these challenges, thereby improving productivity, efficiency, and sustainability within the oil palm plantation sector. Overall, the analysis of the challenges identified during the FGD session provided valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of digitalisation implementation within the oil palm plantation sector. By addressing these themes and developing targeted strategies, stakeholders could overcome the challenges and maximise the benefits of digital transformation.

In summary, recognising and addressing these challenges is crucial for the sector’s digital transformation, impacting the level and rate of digitalisation acceptance and adoption. This research establishes a foundation for strategic enhancements in Malaysia’s oil palm industry, fostering a more technologically adoptive and adaptive landscape.

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