Explicating internet usage among farmer households: evidence from Ben Tre Province, Vietnam

In the era of the knowledge economy and information and communication technology development - most prominently, the internet - people can access valuable information resources in many different fields and seek challenging opportunities to learn and apply knowledge and skills in their area. Specifically, in agricultural development, farmers have efficiently used the internet to learn about cultivation and animal husbandry, search for markets for farm products, enjoy entertainment and acquire farming skills and knowledge. This paper explores potential factors impacting the purposes of internet usage by analysing data collected from 317 farmer households in Ben Tre Province, Vietnam. Using ordinary least squares regression, the findings revealed the significant factors in six models of internet usage among farmers: developing a career in the field of agriculture through internet usage; finding useful information; engaging in online discussions; shopping online; watching videos; and studying online. This research contributes several practical implications for governments that can support farmers in rural regions in using the internet to build their careers - especially to maximise agricultural production - as the internet gradually spreads to the entirety of Vietnam.