Rural spaces are experiencing an increasing demand for novel functionalities and adaptations driven by technological advancements in agriculture and rural areas. This study aimed to investigate the public perception of rural spaces in the context of e...
Rural spaces are experiencing an increasing demand for novel functionalities and adaptations driven by technological advancements in agriculture and rural areas. This study aimed to investigate the public perception of rural spaces in the context of evolving agricultural technologies, specifically focusing on photovoltaic power generation, and the ensuing competition among various functions of rural spaces. A survey was conducted with a participant sample of 330, revealing that the majority of respondents prioritize agricultural production as the primary function of farmland. Furthermore, the survey results indicated that the installation of solar panels on farmland is perceived as a complex issue that affects multiple aspects, such as the landscape, local economy, ecological environment, climate change, and income. Additionally, disparities in responses to landscape-related questions were observed based on age, perception of agricultural land functions, and opinions on technological adoption. This finding suggests that the landscape is poised to become a significant factor in future agricultural and rural transformations. The findings of this survey can provide valuable contributions to the preparation of changes catalyzed by advancements in agricultural technology. Moreover, they offer guidance on the key factors that need to be taken into account when introducing new functions to rural spaces.