Effect of farmer’s age and level of education on the degree of adoption of precision technologies in sheep farms
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This study analyzes the impact of age and education level on the awareness and information behavior of 270 sheep farmers in Bulgaria during the 2024 - 2025 period. The results demonstrate a significant information gap, as nearly 49% of the respondents are unfamiliar with precision livestock farming (PLF) technologies. Demographic indicators emerge as a leading factor in digital readiness - the highest levels of awareness and active behavior are observed among young farmers under 40 years old (46 %) and those with higher education (61.29 %), who combine three or more information sources. Conversely, among farmers over 61 years old and those with primary education, over 54 % are unfamiliar with these technologies, relying only on traditional channels or showing a complete lack of interest in innovation. Bridging this gap requires targeted training strategies to turn technology into a tool for economic sustainability. Similar demographic trends and barriers to innovation are also observed in neighboring countries - Serbia, Romania, and Turkey, where farmer aging and low digital literacy remain common regional challenges.
Source: Zhivotnov"dni Nauki
DOI: 10.61308/hxpv3414
Language: English
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7224656501