How invariably trade-offs are a part of UI/UX design

Web apps and technologies are increasingly being developed in a global market, applied at the farm level and impacting on sustainability beyond the farm. Both conventional and newer technologies, in particular related to use of apps and web-based systems and websites with farming techniques, are global businesses. The dissemination of those technologies is often within the national market, but their application is local hence the neglect of the UI/UX Process.

Adopting technologies for sustainable farming systems is multi-disciplinary. Taking into account the wider range of objectives related to moving towards a more sustainable agriculture, compared to those targeting farm production, more disciplines are having to work together.

Adopting technologies for sustainable farming systems involves uncertainty and tradeoffs. Technologies that can contribute to an economically efficient farm sector and the financial viability for farmers, while improving environmental performance and which are socially acceptable, will provide “triple dividends” to sustainability.

Given the scarcity of resources, however, there are invariably trade-offs in achieving these sustainability goals. Moreover, the aims are “moving targets” which must address new issues and changing priorities.

Technological developments are rapidly evolving and information on the costs and benefits of adopting technologies in agriculture is often imperfect. Thus, the choices on technology adoption are made in a climate of uncertainty with a large element of “trial and error” in its application, and the speed and extent of adoption varies considerably among the rural community.

This can have important implications as to the structure of farms and the number of farmers that are able to survive financially in the future. Several factors are facilitating the adoption of technologies for sustainable farming systems. Research and development efforts, the trend towards better education and training of farmers, the shift in the focus of advice, quicker and cheaper means of disseminating and sharing information, availability of financial resources, pressures from consumers, non-government organizations, the media and the public in general are contributing towards facilitating the adoption of modern user-centric digital products.

Many policies, including those relating to agriculture, environment, and research and development, are providing a combination of incentives and disincentives to technology adoption. Environmental policies themselves increasingly constrain farmers’ actions, as do zoning regulations, animal welfare standards and public health policies. However, the combination of the many different economic, structural, behavioral and policy factors in a wide range of different situations means that there is no simple or unique explanation as to what leads farmers to adopt particular technologies.