Technology Readiness Index (TRI): An Approach to Assess the Capabilities of Rural Poor Households in Accepting Hydroponic Technology

Authors

  • Roslina Kamaruddin* , Shri Dewi Applanaidu , Rozana Samah , Lee Wen Chiat

Abstract

his paper describes the Technology Readiness Index (TRI) as a useful tool in assessing rural household’s readiness
to embrace hydroponic technology for vegetable cultivation to ensure their food security. The main objective of this
study is to examine the ability, willingness and preparedness of rural households in adopting hydroponic technology
for vegetables cultivation through developing a Technology Readiness Index (TRI). A total of 54 households were
interviewed through well-structured questionnaire for this study. The questionnaire were grouped into three (3)
dimensions; socio-economic status, awareness and vegetable consumption behaviour. An aggregate TRI for each
household was constructed by finding the average of all the three dimensions with an equal weight. Result shows
that most of the respondents fell within high mean index categories from 0.51 to 0.75 with mean score of 0.561. In
term of determinants, Findings revealed that socioeconomic status, awareness on hydroponic technology and
vegetable consumption behavior were statistically significant in determining TRI. In addition, Anova analysis also
shows that these three dimensions have strong positive correlations among them. By having the TRI of potential
agricultural technology receiver, their level of capability and readiness can be measured before accepting new
technology. The developed TRI might be treated as additional information in assisting the local authority or
technology provider in selecting an appropriate receiver to adapt agriculture technology.

Published

2020-03-31

Issue

Section

Articles