Seasonal Change or COVID-19 More Impacting Aquafarmers' Economic? Assessing the Role of Technological Facilities in Alleviating These Vulnerabilities

Upon the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, technological facility has become increasingly crucial to the aquafarmers, particularly in dealing with seasonal shifts. The technological facilities have assisted the aquafarmers to monitor and manage their operations during the limited movement. This study aimed to determine whether vulnerability to the COVID-19 pandemic or vulnerability to seasonal changes has more significant impact on aquafarmers' economics, with assistance of technology facility. Additionally, the role of technology in mitigating the vulnerabilities toward aquafarmers economics was identified. The primary data via survey questionnaire and interviews were conducted on 274 aquafarmers in Terengganu, Malaysia, and data were analyzed using the stepwise regression analysis. An impact of vulnerability to COVID-19 pandemic was detected on aquafarmers economic constraint. Meanwhile, no significant vulnerability to seasonal change was recorded on aquafarmers economic constraint in Terengganu. This indicates that COVID-19 epidemic had a greater and more extensive impact compared to seasonal fluctuations. However, seasonal shifts have always been part of aquaculture, and farmers have developed new approaches to adapt and control them. The Movement Control Order (MCO) during the pandemic restricted the demand and supply chain of seafood products, resulting in a decrease in pricing and sales for aquafarmers. Furthermore, a significant impact of technological facility adoption was determined in reducing vulnerability to COVID-19 pandemic toward aquafarmers economics in Terengganu. The findings of this study provide important information on how these technologies can help aquafarmers maintain their economic stability while maintaining their businesses operating.