Decoding technological frames: An exploratory study of access to and meaningful engagement with digital technologies in agriculture

Abstract

Technological advancements undoubtedly impact development in the agricultural industry. However, the digital divide may constrain access to technology in developing countries. Hence, there is a need to explore and understand how different actors make sense of technological advancement for a more meaningful engagement with new technology. To this end, we undertook an exploratory study of an agricultural ecosystem in Brazil comprising a heterogeneous set of actors with varying experiences of digital technologies. Our findings show the essential role of actors' technological frames, and how the type of access to digital technologies influences their development toward digital agriculture. Different actors are found to react to technologies depending on their past experiences and future expectations, leading them to mobilize different framing tactics to respond to the changes that digital agriculture presents. We illuminate how the digital divide not only constrains access to digital technologies but also limits meaningful engagement. We contribute by showing how engaging in framing tactics can advance or preserve actors' technological frames in the digital divide. Our study details implications for both practitioners and policymakers for future consideration.