Digital transformation of agriculture: global trends
Keywords:
digital agriculture, smart farming, artificial intelligence, agricultural innovation, emerging technologies, digital transformation.Abstract
The digital transformation of agriculture constitutes one of the main technological innovation processes experienced by contemporary agri-food systems. The incorporation of artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, precision agriculture, robotics, sensors, autonomous vehicles, digital platforms, geographic information systems, big data analytics, and satellite technologies is progressively modifying agricultural production, management, and marketing processes. The objective of this article was to analyse global trends in the digital transformation of agriculture, identifying the main emerging technologies, their applications, benefits, challenges, and development prospects. A systematic review of scientific and documentary literature was conducted through the consultation of academic publications, institutional reports, and specialised documents related to digital agriculture, technological innovation, and agri-food sustainability. The review considered international sources and recent studies focused on analysing agricultural digitalisation processes. The results reveal a significant expansion of artificial intelligence, automation, intelligent decision-support systems, data-driven agriculture, and remote monitoring technologies. These innovations contribute to optimising resource use, increasing productivity, reducing costs, anticipating climate risks, and strengthening the sustainability of production systems. However, challenges persist regarding the digital divide, technological costs, rural connectivity, training, interoperability, data governance, and cybersecurity. It is concluded that digital transformation represents a strategic opportunity to build more efficient, resilient, and sustainable agricultural systems, although its consolidation requires inclusive policies, technological infrastructure, research, innovation, and the strengthening of farmers’ digital capabilities.
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