Digital Awareness and Technology Adoption Among Rural Households: An Empirical Analysis of Socio-Economic Determinants

Abstract

Digital technologies are a part of education, finance, health, agriculture, governance and communication. While technology has advanced quickly, gaps in the digital awareness and adoption of technology remain, especially in rural areas. This study examines socio-economic factors affecting the digital awareness and the use of technology by rural households. The 60 respondents gave primary data which were analysed with descriptive statistics, Chi-square analysis, independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA, binary logistic regression and path analysis. The results indicate that education positively affects digital awareness and occupation has a positive effect on technology adoption and preferences for digital services. Gender differences were found in access to digital technologies, but not gender in the regression model for digital awareness. The results of the path analysis show that education has a positive effect on digital awareness and then towards technology use and digital empowerment. The study underscores the need for digital literacy programmes, cost-effective and affordable internet infrastructure and inclusive technology policies to lessen the digital divide and support sustainable rural development.