Factors affecting the intent to adopt genomic selection materials among plantation managers in Malaysia

• Main Author: Airin Niza, Za'ba
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English; English
• Published: 2021
• Subjects: S Agriculture (General)
• Online Access: https://etd.uum.edu.my/9633/1/s94542_01.pdf; https://etd.uum.edu.my/9633/2/s94542_02.pdf; https://etd.uum.edu.my/9633/

Genomic selection materials are improved oil palm planting materials that have the potential to increase yield. Recent studies have shown that using genomic selection materials increases productivity in oil palm and other crops. Identifying the factors that influence their acceptance represents a fundamental challenge to their successful implementation. However, despite these benefits of the genomic selection materials, limited studies have been conducted to examine their acceptance in Malaysia. Moreover, it is doubtful whether prior technology acceptance models can be effectively used to examine their acceptance. Questions also arise if there are other factors that influence their acceptance. This study is intended to determine the factors that influence the intention to adopt genomic selection materials based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and the Use of Technology (UTAUT). Quantitative methodology will be employed in this study. The proposed model consists of five latent variables, namely four independent variables and one dependent variable. 200 questionnaires were distributed through a survey to plantation managers in three regions located in Malaysia including northern region, southern region and eastern region. Only 133 survey questionnaires were returned where 124 responses that fit to be analysed. The results indicated that out of the four core determinants, including expectancy of performance, expectancy of effort, social influence, and facilitating conditions, only social influence significantly influences behaviour intention to adopt the genomic selection materials. It is recommended for future studies to extend the survey to the other parts of the world namely to countries such as Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.