Can Digital Technology Facilities Mitigate the Vulnerability and Risk During Covid-19? Towards Aquafarmer Economics Sustainability

Unpredictable weather and the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as financial, management, health and environmental risks, pose significant challenges to aquaculture, threatening the industry’s sustainability. This study aims to determine the impact of technology in reducing the vulnerabilities and risks in aquafarming economics during the pandemic. Data was gathered from 297 aquafarmers in the east coast state of Terengganu in Peninsular Malaysia using face-to-face interviews and online questionnaires, results were analysed using SmartPLS software. Financial risk had the greatest influence on aquafarmers’ economics, followed by management risk, vulnerability to COVID-19 and health risk. Poor management could result in financial loss, whereas health issues, disease outbreaks, and environmental pollution could cause major stock losses and lower corporate efficiency. The study highlighted the importance of technology in reducing management risk in aquafarming economics. It emphasised the need for aquafarmers to stay updated with the latest knowledge and technology to improve their management skills and identify main risks in the business. This knowledge could be used to develop strategies for longterm sustainability and reduce economic problems. Adoption of technology facilities should not only be promoted to facilitate farm and management operations, but to ensure the long-term sustainability of aquaculture.