I'm starting my research on the relationship between agriculture and technology (or agro 4.0) and I would like help from the academic community to know which factors I should pay attention to.
the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is currently becoming increasingly important in agriculture and the agricultural industry. The use of AI is based on the development of various Digital Twins (DTs). My literature sources added here should confirm this.
Boyang Li, Haoming Zhong, Yiqiang Chen, Cyril Leung: „Farming Decision Support Systems with Digital Twin and Internet of Things: A Desiderata“; International Journal of Information Technology, Vol. 25, No. 2, 2019
Christos Pylianidis, Sjoukje Osinga, Ioannis N. Athanasiadis: Introducing digital twins to agriculture; Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, Vol. 184, Mar 2021; DOI: 10.1016/j.compag.2020.105942
Rafael Gomes Alves, Gilberto Souza, Rodrigo Filev Maia, Juan Manuel Davila.: A digital twin for smart farming; IEEE Global Humanitarian Technology Conference (GHTC), Oct 2019, DOI: 10.1109/GHTC46095.2019.9033075
Pelin Angin, Mohammad Hossein Anisi, Furkan Göksel, Ceren Gürsoy, Asaf Büyükgülcü: „AgriLoRa: A Digital Twin Framework for Smart Agriculture“; Journal of Wireless Mobile Networks, Ubiquitous Computing, and Dependable Applications; Vol. 11(4), Dec 2020, DOI:10.22667/JOWUA.2020.12.31.077
Cor Verdouw, Bedir Tekinerdogan, Adrie J. M. Beulens, Sjaak Wolfert: Digital twins in smart farming; Agricultural Systems, Vol. 189(15), Apr 2021; DOI: 10.1016/j.agsy.2020.103046
During similar research, I have found that good wireless connection holds back many development in rural areas. GPS (RTK) and/or 5G is a must for machines to communicate but are usually not accessible on the fields.
The implementation of new technologies in agribusiness, also known as Agro 4.0, is influenced by various factors that can be categorized into four groups: institutional factors, market factors, technology factors, and stakeholder perception factors.
- Institutional factors refer to the policies, regulations, standards, and incentives that affect the adoption and diffusion of new technologies in the agricultural sector. For example, the availability of subsidies, loans, tax breaks, or grants for farmers who invest in new technologies can facilitate their implementation. Conversely, the lack of clear rules, guidelines, or protocols for data sharing, privacy, security, or ownership can hinder their adoption.
- Market factors refer to the supply and demand conditions, prices, costs, and competitiveness of the agricultural products and services that are affected by new technologies. For example, the demand for high-quality, traceable, and sustainable food products can drive the adoption of new technologies that enable precision farming, smart irrigation, or blockchain-based traceability. On the other hand, the high costs of new technologies, the lack of infrastructure, or the low profitability of some crops can discourage their implementation.
- Technology factors refer to the characteristics, performance, availability, and accessibility of the new technologies themselves. For example, the compatibility, interoperability, reliability, scalability, and user-friendliness of new technologies can influence their adoption by farmers and other stakeholders. Moreover, the availability of technical support, training, maintenance, and updates can also affect their implementation.
- Stakeholder perception factors refer to the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, preferences, and expectations of the farmers and other actors involved in the agricultural value chain regarding new technologies. For example, the awareness, understanding, and perception of the benefits, risks, challenges, and opportunities of new technologies can affect their adoption. Additionally, the trust, confidence, and satisfaction of the stakeholders with the new technologies can also influence their implementation.
These factors are interrelated and can have positive or negative effects on the implementation of new technologies in agribusiness. Therefore, it is important to consider them holistically and address the potential barriers and enablers for Agro 4.0.
Several factors can significantly influence the implementation of new technologies in agribusiness, often referred to as Agro 4.0 or Agriculture 4.0. Here are some key factors:
1. Technological Infrastructure: The availability and accessibility of technological infrastructure, such as high-speed internet connectivity and sensor networks, play a crucial role in implementing new agricultural technologies. Regions with inadequate infrastructure may face challenges in adopting advanced agricultural practices.
2. Cost of Technology: The cost of implementing new technologies can be a barrier for many farmers, especially smallholders. Investments in hardware, software, sensors, and other equipment need to be justified by potential returns on investment. Government subsidies or financial incentives can help alleviate some of these costs.
3. Education and Training: Farmers and agricultural workers need to be adequately trained to use new technologies effectively. Education programs and training initiatives are essential for building the necessary skills and knowledge base to leverage Agro 4.0 tools and practices.
4. Data Management and Privacy: Agro 4.0 relies heavily on data collection, analysis, and sharing. Ensuring data security, privacy, and ownership are critical concerns that must be addressed to foster trust among farmers and other stakeholders. Clear regulations and standards for data management can help mitigate these concerns.
5. Regulatory Environment: Regulatory frameworks can either facilitate or hinder the adoption of new agricultural technologies. Policies related to land use, water management, environmental protection, and intellectual property rights can significantly impact the implementation of Agro 4.0 practices.
6. Market Access and Demand: The availability of markets for agricultural products and the demand for sustainably produced food can drive the adoption of technologies that improve efficiency, productivity, and environmental sustainability. Farmers may be more inclined to invest in Agro 4.0 solutions if they see potential market opportunities.
7. Collaboration and Networking: Collaboration among stakeholders, including farmers, researchers, technology providers, and policymakers, is essential for the successful implementation of Agro 4.0 initiatives. Building networks and partnerships can facilitate knowledge exchange, innovation, and the co-creation of solutions tailored to local contexts.
8. Environmental and Social Considerations: Sustainable agriculture practices and social acceptance of new technologies are increasingly important factors influencing their implementation. Technologies that promote environmental conservation, biodiversity, and social equity are more likely to gain support from both farmers and society at large.
In conclusion, the adoption of new technologies in agribusiness depends on a complex interplay of technological, economic, social, and regulatory factors. Addressing these factors effectively is essential for realizing the potential benefits of Agro 4.0 in improving agricultural productivity, sustainability, and resilience.