Abstract

This study aimed to design and evaluate a digital literacy training curriculum to strengthen entrepreneurial characteristics among broiler farmers operating under contract farming systems in Thailand. A mixed-methods research design was applied in three phases: needs assessment, curriculum development, and curriculum implementation and evaluation. The study population comprised 254 contract broiler farms in Prachinburi Province, with 155 farmers selected through stratified random sampling. Data collection employed questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, and pre- and post-training assessments. The needs assessment revealed that farmers’ digital literacy was at a moderate level, with relatively stronger competencies in understanding and access compared to creation and use. Entrepreneurial characteristics such as self-awareness, creativity, and risk acceptance were found to be high, yet persistent barriers limited digital adoption, including high investment costs, limited infrastructure, and generational differences in technology use. These findings informed the design of a three-module training curriculum focused on digital applications for farm management, creativity and entrepreneurial decision-making, and risk management with technology. Expert evaluation confirmed the curriculum’s high appropriateness and applicability. Pilot implementation with 36 farmers demonstrated significant improvement in digital literacy knowledge and entrepreneurial competencies, particularly in self-awareness, creativity, and risk acceptance. Participants also reported highly positive attitudes toward technology and expressed strong satisfaction with the curriculum’s practicality, contextual relevance, and applicability to farm risk management. Overall, the study demonstrates that integrating digital literacy into agricultural training can effectively enhance entrepreneurial capacity in contract farming systems. The curriculum offers a replicable model for policymakers, extension services, and agribusiness stakeholders seeking to promote sustainable agricultural entrepreneurship in developing economies.

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