A REVIEW ON MECHANIZATION AND DIGITALIZATION IN UPSTREAM ACTIVITIES FOR THE COCOA INDUSTRY – CHALLENGES AND VIEW FROM ERGONOMICS PERSPECTIVES
Authors: Farah Ayuni Fauzi
Journal Issue: Malaysian Cocoa Journal, Volume 15(1)/2023
Keywords: Upstream activities, mechanization, digitalization, challenges, ergonomics
Published On: 27/10/2023
Abstract
Upstream activities in the cocoa industry play an important role in ensuring the optimum productivity of cocoa production. It starts from land preparation until harvesting and has always been associated with the use of technology. Nevertheless, technology utilization either mechanization or digitalization, has known as the most efficient way to maximize cocoa farming management and ensure the continuity of the cocoa supply chain. Thus, this paper aims to review the technology development, i.e., mechanization and digitalization in upstream activities of the cocoa industry, in view of the ergonomics perspective in the agricultural industry. This paper also highlights some common injuries in the agricultural industries that might hinder the productivity of the farmers. Finally, this review points out several challenges in adopting technological development in the cocoa industry in terms of environmental, economic and technical issues. This review provides references for researchers, and more technology should be applied in the upstream activities of the cocoa industry as one of the solutions to enhance cocoa farming management and increase production.