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Agricultural digitalization and automation in low- and middle-income countries: Evidence from ten case studies

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  • McCampbell, Mariette

Abstract

Digital and automation solutions can solve labour bottlenecks, increase agricultural productivity, resilience and efficiency, and improve environmental sustainability. However, access is limited in low- and lower-middle-income countries, especially for small-scale producers. Based on ten case studies in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and Asia, this study investigates the suitability of digital and automation solutions for small-scale producers, the main drivers and barriers to their adoption and the role of policies and regulations in creating an enabling environment. Findings show that technologies in the study countries are largely limited to smartphones and tablets, and related software tools (e.g. mobile applications). Most digital and automation solutions focus on crops, some on livestock and aquaculture, and a few on agroforestry. The most important adoption barriers include the high investment cost, lack of digital skills and knowledge and a lack of an enabling environment. Yet, advances in mechanization supported by digital technologies, and the development of hiring platforms foster adoption. The emergence of guidelines, strategic plans and policies that regulate and streamline automation should be encouraged, as should providing producers with information about the benefits and costs of digital and automation solutions. This study was developed as a background document for the FAO report "The State of Food and Agriculture 2022 – Leveraging automation in agriculture for transforming agrifood systems" (https://doi.org/10.4060/cb9479en).

Suggested Citation

  • McCampbell, Mariette, 2022. "Agricultural digitalization and automation in low- and middle-income countries: Evidence from ten case studies," FAO Agricultural Development Economics Technical Study 330812, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Agricultural Development Economics Division (ESA).
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:faoets:330812
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.330812
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Omulo, Godfrey & Kumeh, Eric Mensah, 2020. "Farmer-to-farmer digital network as a strategy to strengthen agricultural performance in Kenya: A research note on ‘Wefarm’ platform," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 158(C).
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    Cited by:

    1. Patricio Vladimir Méndez-Zambrano & Luis Patricio Tierra Pérez & Rogelio Estalin Ureta Valdez & Ángel Patricio Flores Orozco, 2023. "Technological Innovations for Agricultural Production from an Environmental Perspective: A Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(22), pages 1-15, November.

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    Keywords

    Agricultural and Food Policy; Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies;

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