Institutional Roles and Farmer Acceptance in Agricultural Technology Transfer: A Multi- Stakeholder Framework in Nueva Ecija, Philippines

This study explores the interplay between institutional roles and farmer acceptance in agricultural technology transfer in Nueva Ecija, Philippines. Employing a mixed-methods approach, quantitative data were gathered through surveys with 50 farmers to assess acceptance of agricultural technologies in terms of perceived usefulness, ease of use, cost implications, and accessibility. Complementary qualitative data were collected through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with representatives from universities (NEUST, CLSU), government agencies (DA, ATI, LGUs), private enterprises, and farmer cooperatives to examine institutional roles, challenges, and gaps in technology transfer. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were applied to interpret the data. The findings indicate that farmers show a high level of acceptance of agricultural technologies, with perceived usefulness (M = 4.32) identified as the strongest driver of adoption. However, cost implications (M = 3.42) emerged as a major barrier, highlighting the need for financial support mechanisms such as subsidies, cooperative-based equipment sharing, and rental schemes. Institutional analysis revealed that universities and government agencies lead knowledge dissemination and extension services, private enterprises play a key role in commercialization, and cooperatives facilitate community-level adoption. Key challenges include policy misalignment, limited infrastructure, insufficient funding, and weak institutional coordination. Based on these findings, a Multi-Stakeholder Collaborative Framework was developed, combining the strengths of universities, research centers, government agencies, private enterprises, and farmer cooperatives. Grounded in the Triple Helix Model and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), this framework promotes shared responsibilities to improve affordability, accessibility, and sustainability in agricultural technology transfer.