The Meaning of Agricultural Technology For Millennial Farmers in Providing Food Security: A Case from Indonesia

Abstract

The digital divide in the agricultural sector is a pressing issue that must be addressed urgently to achieve national food security through technological transformation. This study examines how millennial farmers in the UPTD BP4 Region III of Sleman Regency, Indonesia, perceive agricultural technology in the context of ensuring food security. The study aims to understand why and how technology is present in their world to achieve future food security. This study employs a qualitative method, adopting a critical constructivist approach. It utilizes a digital humanities lens to analyze how the meaning of “human-friendly” technology is formed in the daily interactions of millennial farmers. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), observations, and literature reviews. Data analysis was conducted using NVivo 14, and data validity was assessed through triangulation of techniques and sources. The research findings indicate that millennial farmers' interpretation of agricultural technology is concentrated within the logic of the digital market, a condition that contradicts the potential of digital humanities to humanize technology and achieve sustainable food security. Therefore, technological transformation requires holistic policy interventions to empower a digitally savvy and inclusive millennial farmer ecosystem. This can be achieved by strengthening the role of millennial farmers and agricultural extension workers as the state's extension arms in a more balanced digital ecosystem between food provision and profitability.