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SLR Final
SLR Final
Neu-Ulm / Germany
Declaration of Honor
We declare in our honor that we have written this Systematic Literature Review (SLR)
independently and that we have not used any sources or aids other than those indicated. We
have marked as such any thoughts taken directly or indirectly from external sources.
We also want to mention that We haven't shared this Systematic Literature Review with any
other exam office in a similar form, nor has it been published anywhere yet.
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Abstract
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1. Introduction
In today’s world, digital technologies have become an indispensable part of every aspect of life
and a crucial component of business. From big data and robotics to artificial intelligence,
virtual and augmented reality, the Internet of Things, Blockchain, adaptive systems, bio, and
neuroethology, these technologies have advanced beyond their initial novelty phase and are
now essential to manage effectively to address the pressing challenges of our time, such as
climate change, global warming, and economic disruption (Shamin et al., 2019). These
challenges pose a threat to the sustainability of the global economy, and as such, it is
imperative to prioritize stability and prevent the exacerbation of cyclical fluctuations and new
global crises. Additionally, ensuring a high economic growth rate while maintaining a balance
between progress and environmental sustainability is essential for long-term economic
development (Bogoviz et al., 2019). Advances in technology have changed our diet and eating
habits, lifestyle, perception, and understanding of some environmental issues so agriculture is
directly related to these assumptions. (Yahya, 2018). These are process automation and
robotics, agricultural applications and information systems, cyber-physical systems, related
tools and machines, and the collection and analysis of large amounts of data. So far, attention
has been focused on the sustainability of agriculture by achieving the goals of flexibility and
efficiency through agricultural processes. In the future, the digital transformation of agriculture
should provide an answer to all the challenges of today and facilitate the struggle (Hrustek,
2020). The integration of technology in the agri-food industry, particularly through smart
agriculture, presents both opportunities and challenges. While digital technologies can
enhance efficiency and sustainability, their adoption poses economic, social, and
environmental challenges for firms and the industry (Annosi et al., 2020b). To effectively
promote more sustainable farming practices, policy strategies can be designed with both
short-term and long-term approaches to address the dispositional factors that influence
farmers' adoption of these practices. One short-term policy recommendation is to tailor policies
to individual farmers based on their unique characteristics, such as personality, level of
resistance to change, risk tolerance, moral and environmental concerns, and farming
objectives. For example, economic incentives may be targeted at farmers who prioritize profit
as their primary farming objective, as those with strong intrinsic motivations to protect the
environment may be less likely to respond positively to financial incentives (Dessart et al.,
2019). This study aims to gain a deeper understanding of the potential consequences of
digitalization in agriculture by considering the unique factors that influence its development
and impact in different regions and communities. To achieve this, the study employs a
methodological approach that considers the specific cultural, social, and economic factors that
vary across different areas. The paper is organized as follows: Section 2 describes the
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methodology used to develop the study, including the architecture of the considered use
cases. Section 3 presents the results of the study, while Section 4 discusses the findings and
identifies open problems. Finally, Section 5 summarizes the main conclusions of the paper
and suggests potential directions for future research.
1.3. Sustainability
Sustainability in food and fiber agriculture is intricately linked to knowledge and intelligence. As
defined by the Brundtland report, sustainability is the ability to meet current needs without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In a more practical
sense, sustainability can be seen as enhancing a system's productivity without depleting the
resources necessary for future productivity (Wiseman et al., 2019). To achieve sustainable
development, we must collect and analyze evidence of the challenges faced by firms in
adopting digital technologies, as well as their related economic, social, and environmental
impact. Moreover, the concept of sustainability in agriculture has gained increasing attention,
yet the distinct differences between sustainable agriculture and the broader term are rarely
elaborated upon. Sustainable agriculture has been a prominent topic in recent years and has
been the driving force behind the integration of digital technologies in agriculture. As we move
forward, there will be a heightened focus on achieving economic, environmental, and social
sustainability through agricultural practices that are guided by digital transformation's key
determinants. This interest is not only limited to the scientific community but has also been
acknowledged by the European Union's policies for the upcoming period, which place a
significant emphasis on this area (Hrustek, 2020d). Our focus is on smart agriculture, which
involves the application of smart technologies to the agri-food industry (Annosi et al., 2020d).
However, the objectives of economic, environmental, and social sustainability are often at
odds, leading to unmet social expectations. In the future, the sustainability of the entire supply
chain will be crucial, to develop, implement, and adopt digital solutions that ensure high-quality
and safe food and feed, while also promoting efficient, environmentally friendly, and
sustainable business practices (Hrustek, 2020c).
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complex due to the uncertain effects of the farming system on agronomy and the environment.
Behavioral models are suitable for investigating adoption behavior, but few studies have
utilized these models to date (Weltin et al., 2021). Farmers' decisions to adopt more
sustainable practices, such as organic farming, restoring hedgerows, or growing cover crops,
are primarily business decisions that involve long-term personal and economic consequences.
These decisions may involve significant investments and commitment, and often involve the
provision of public goods (Weltin et al., 2021). Recent innovations in information technology
(IT) have the potential to support farmers in their decision-making and operations, such as
precision agriculture (PA) which utilizes IT applications to monitor soil and crop conditions and
apply treatments with a high degree of precision. The advent of precision agriculture (PA)
technology marks a significant shift in farming practices, as it enables the treatment of fields as
diverse and heterogeneous entities rather than homogenous areas requiring indiscriminate
care. By leveraging advanced analysis and selective treatment, PA technology has been
recognized as a major contributor to improved farming efficiency and environmentally
sustainable practices. With the ability to reduce the use of contaminants by more than 90%, PA
technology offers a wealth of opportunities to enhance the efficiency of farming operations
while promoting sustainability (Aubert et al., 2012).
2. Method
A systematic literature review can help scholars to evaluate current research by providing a
comprehensive framework (Chauhan et al., 2022, p.291). In the context of this research
attempt, a systematic literature review was carefully conducted to gather appropriate
information concerning sustainable farming practices, dig into the utilization of digital
technologies in sustainable farming, and explore the associated dimensions and challenges
within the defined scope.
Moreover, the SLR serves as a pivotal instrument in garnering a comprehensive
understanding of prevailing sustainable farming practices while carefully scanning the extent
to which digital technologies are harnessed within farming operations to support sustainability
initiatives.
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on a literature review, sustainable farming practices are essential for preserving natural
resources.
Additionally, digital technologies have the potential to play a significant role in improving
sustainability in farming practices by providing farmers with essential information for making
better decisions in critical situations. (Tsolakis et al., 2023). This paper aims to answer
following question as its main question: How digital technologies can be used to improve
sustainable Farming practices?
The goal of this research question is to investigate the current digital technologies and best
practices that are used in the farming industry to achieve sustainability, as well as to explore
the extent to which digital technologies enhance sustainability in farming.
· Type of paper are articles, review article, early access, and enriched Cited References.
· Papers published from 2018 to 2023.
· Written in English language.
· Published in scientific journals.
· Open access and from any location.
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By applying the inclusion criteria, the number of articles decreased to 578 articles in Web of
Science, 472 articles in WISO, and 1050 articles in both databases. At this step, the
researchers thoroughly reviewed the related topics and abstracts and eliminated irrelevant
studies and duplicates.
The final result then was 13 articles by considering inclusion and exclusion criteria.
3. Results
This systematic literature review focused on exploring sustainable farming practices and the
integration of digital technologies in agriculture. The initial search across WISO and Web of
Science databases yielded a total of 3438 articles. After applying inclusion criteria, such as
articles published in the last six years, in English, and in scientific journals, the number was
refined to 1050 articles for further analysis.
The breakdown after applying inclusion criteria resulted in 578 articles from Web of Science,
472 articles from WISO, and a total of 1050 articles from both databases. Subsequently, a
meticulous review of topics and abstracts was conducted to eliminate irrelevant studies and
duplicates. This process further narrowed down the pool of relevant articles.
4. Findings
The findings underscored a widespread consensus among researchers and experts regarding
the transformative impact of digital technologies, particularly in the domain of precision
farming. The review carefully identified and analyzed key technologies, such as smart
agriculture sensors and data-driven decision-making tools, which have proven instrumental in
guiding farmers towards making informed decisions regarding crucial inputs like seeds and
pesticides.
Moreover, a common and recurring theme that emerged throughout the analysis was the
immense potential of digitalization to fundamentally reshape traditional farming practices. This
transformative process not only aims at increasing productivity and reducing operational costs
but also addresses pressing environmental concerns by minimizing the ecological footprint
associated with agricultural activities. The recognition of digital technologies as viable
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solutions to the numerous challenges faced by the agricultural industry was noticeable
throughout the literature, sparking valuable discussions on overcoming barriers in the domain
of digital agriculture.
In summary, the systematic literature review provides compelling evidence supporting the
indispensable role of digital technologies in fostering sustainable farming practices. This
highlights their remarkable potential to significantly enhance precision agriculture and,
consequently, deliver substantial benefits to farmers, the agricultural sector, and the
environment at large.
5. Discussion
The systematic literature review presented offers a comprehensive exploration of the
transformative potential of digital technologies in enhancing sustainable farming practices. The
research underscores how innovative tools and systems such as sensors, drones, AI-driven
analytics, and IoT devices can significantly contribute to optimizing resource use, reducing
environmental impact, and promoting economic and social inclusivity within the agricultural
sector. However, the discussion extends beyond the mere identification of these technological
solutions, delving into the broader implications, challenges, and the contextual factors that
determine the potential success of digitalization in agriculture.
In response to the research question, "How can digital technologies be used to improve
sustainable farming practices?", the findings reveal a multifaceted impact of digital
technologies in agriculture. Precision agriculture, powered by these technologies, presents an
effective approach to enhancing resource efficiency, minimizing environmental degradation,
and improving crop yields. The economic benefits are evident in the form of increased
efficiency, reduced operational costs, and enhanced profitability for farmers. Socially,
digitalization in farming addresses labor shortages and promotes inclusivity, empowering
farmers with information, education, and decision-making resources.
This also gets underlines by the study “Decoding technological frames: An exploratory study of
access to and meaningful engagement with digital technologies in agriculture” which examines
the digital divide and framing in Brazilian agriculture, focusing on diverse actors' engagement
with digital technologies. It explores how different levels of access and perceptions of digital
technology among medium-sized farms, technology startups, native communities, and
research organizations (Embrapa) affect their adoption and utilization of digital innovations.
The study reveals varied awareness, motivation, and skills across these actors, highlighting
the complex interplay between technological access, societal positioning, and cultural
perceptions in shaping the digital landscape of Brazilian agriculture (Engås et al., 2023).
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But also, the disruptive impact of several complexities must be mentioned, discussed, and
evaluated. Despite the promising potential of digital technologies, the journey from theoretical
models to practical implementation is fraught with complexities. The review acknowledges the
existence of a gap between theoretical findings and their real-world applications.
Technological adaptability, economic feasibility, socio-cultural acceptance, and environmental
considerations emerge as critical factors that may impede the seamless integration of digital
solutions in farming practices. The unique challenges and opportunities that developing
countries face in adopting these technologies further underscore the need for a nuanced
approach that considers the specific cultural, social, and economic factors prevalent in
different regions.
To bridge the gap between theory and practice, the discussion advocates for a collaborative
and integrated approach involving key stakeholders such as farmers, technology developers,
and policymakers. It's essential to align theoretical understanding with practical realities,
ensuring the sustainable and effective implementation of digital technologies in farming.
(Wachtel, 2018).
Regarding the mentioned discrepancies there is also a huge challenge to be faced. The study
presented in the Journal of Rural Studies (Volume 92, 2022) by Susanna Kujala, Outi Hakala,
and Leena Viitaharju offers a profound exploration of the regional disparities in organic farming
within Finland. This meticulous research is also grounded in the broader context of sustainable
agriculture and rural development, emphasizing the important role of organic farming as a
potential catalyst for advancing these goals. The study's significance is underscored by its
alignment with national and EU-level initiatives aimed at amplifying the proportion of organic
farmland, thereby contributing to the sustainability and ecological balance of food systems. It
underscores the necessity of nuanced, region-specific policies and interventions to foster
organic farming. By highlighting the symbiotic relationship between various factors such as
organic heritage, farm size, primary agricultural sectors, and market dynamics, the research
advocates for a holistic, integrated approach to policy formulation and implementation. This
approach, which transcends the traditional siloed strategies, is pivotal for realizing the national
and EU-level targets for organic farming, thereby contributing to sustainable agricultural
systems and rural development (Kujala et al., 2022).
With respect to the study provided by Kujala, is it important to to target a further group of
stakeholders to achieve a successful transformation in sustainable farming. Regulations given
by the government can also have a a great impact on individual farming practices based on
the farmer’s location.
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Besides of several protests being held in Germany, extensive demonstrations in Brussels take
place. Farmers from several EU countries gathered to voice their discontent with the current
EU agricultural policies, particularly critiquing the trade policies and environmental regulations.
An estimated thousand tractors were used to block traffic, symbolizing the farmers' demands
for policy revisions to address their economic hardships. Besides of harsh sustainability
regulations, the central focus was also the EU's trade policy, specifically the resistance against
the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement, which farmers argue would unfairly expose them to a
surge of cheaper agricultural imports not adhering to the stringent environmental standards
imposed on EU products (Simon & Arboleas, 2024).
The review also highlights the need for an integrated and comprehensive assessment of the
trade-offs and synergies between different dimensions of sustainability – environmental,
economic, and social – in the context of digital technologies in agriculture. Further, this
systematic literature review emphasizes the importance of a holistic, context-sensitive
approach that reconciles technological innovation with the socio-economic, cultural, and
environmental realities of the agricultural sector.
6. Conclusion
Drawing from the systematic literature review and integrating insights from the studies on
digitalization in agriculture, the conclusion recognizes the transformative impact of digital
technologies on farming practices. These innovations have reshaped agricultural tasks from
manual, labor-intensive operations to more data-driven, analytical processes.
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The integration of digital technologies has not only improved resource efficiency and crop
yields but also introduced a new dimension of knowledge and skill requirements for farmers.
This evolution necessitates a deep understanding of both traditional agricultural practices and
modern digital systems, highlighting the importance of comprehensive educational programs
that address the intersection of these domains. Moreover, while digitalization offers numerous
benefits such as increased operational flexibility and reduced physical labor, it also presents
challenges like the need for constant connectivity and the risk of reduced direct interaction
with farming processes. These findings call attention to the complex nature of integrating
digital technologies into farming and the critical role of targeted education, governmental and
regional regulations and support to navigate this transition successfully, in the best case
equally fulfilling the needs and demands of all stakeholders.
7. Limitation
The systematic literature review, while illuminating the integration of digital technologies and
sustainable farming practices, is not without its limitations. The exclusive reliance on WISO
and Web of Science databases introduces the potential for publication bias, as noteworthy
research outside these databases may be overlooked. The decision to include only English-
language articles may also lead to a language bias, excluding valuable insights published in
other languages like German. The temporal scope, focusing on the last six years, might
neglect foundational works that provide historical context. The lack of specificity regarding
geographical regions could result in an oversight of unique regional challenges and
innovations. Additionally, the focused analysis on abstracts for relevance may limit the depth
of insights available in full texts. The rapidly evolving nature of technology suggests that the
review's temporal scope may not fully capture the latest innovations. Lastly, the reliance on
academic sources may neglect insights from industry reports, government publications, or
grassroots initiatives, potentially limiting the practical understanding of digital technologies in
sustainable farming. Addressing these limitations in future research will enhance the breadth
and depth of insights into this dynamic intersection.
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