In developing economies, inefficiencies in agricultural subsidy distribution persist as a significant barrier to food security and farmer welfare. This qualitative study presents a grounded investigation of digital transformation at the grassroots level, examining how the TaniFlow information system enhances subsidized fertilizer distribution among farmer groups in rural Indonesia. Conducted in Puusangi Village, Konawe Regency, Southeast Sulawesi, the study engages a longstanding paradox: despite Indonesia’s five-decade fertilizer subsidy program, manual distribution mechanisms continue to produce data inaccuracies, delivery delays, leakage vulnerabilities, and farmer-level disputes, factors that collectively undermine agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods. Drawing on in-depth interviews with farmer group leaders, members, agricultural extension workers, and government officials, complemented by field observations and document analysis, the study identifies substantial improvements following TaniFlow’s implementation. Distribution timeframes, previously spanning several weeks, are significantly reduced to a matter of days; data accuracy improves markedly; and transparency increases through real-time monitoring features. Stakeholders also reported a notable reduction in misappropriation risks. Importantly, participating farmers consistently described observable productivity gains in rice and maize cultivation attributable to more timely and accurate fertilizer access. The findings extend the Technology Acceptance Model and Innovation Diffusion Theory into under-examined agricultural contexts by demonstrating how user-centric interface design can mitigate low digital literacy constraints among aging smallholders. To our knowledge, this represents the first systematic documentation of digital information system integration at the farmer group level in Eastern Indonesia. The study also highlights critical enabling conditions, including government infrastructure support, peer-learning dynamics, and offline functionality that responds to connectivity.

Authors:
Hannin Pradita Nur Soulthoni, Halu Oleo University, Indonesia
Eka Suaib, Halu Oleo University, Indonesia
Aryuni Salpiana Jabar, Halu Oleo University, Indonesia

About the Presenter(s)
Hannin Pradita Nur Soulthoni is currently lecturer Universitas Halu Oleo, Kendari, Indonesia for majoring Social Welfare, Faculty of Social and Politics Sciences.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannin-pradita-nur-soulthoni-9b0a2b5a/

See this presentation on the full schedule – On Demand Schedule

Bookmark