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Digital Technology and Services for Sustainable Agriculture in Tanzania: A Literature Review

Author

Listed:
  • Gilbert E. Mushi

    (Department of Informatics and Information Technology, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro 3038, Tanzania
    Computer Science Center, University of Geneva, 1227 Carouge, Switzerland)

  • Giovanna Di Marzo Serugendo

    (Computer Science Center, University of Geneva, 1227 Carouge, Switzerland)

  • Pierre-Yves Burgi

    (Division Système et Technologies de l’Information et de la Communication, University of Geneva, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland)

Abstract

Digital technology has the potential to eradicate extreme poverty and food insecurity to the majority of smallholder farmers in the world. This paper aims to identify knowledge gaps on digital technology for sustainable agriculture and assess their availability to smallholder farmers worldwide. The particular case of Tanzania receives special attention. We conducted an extensive literature search from relevant databases for review. The advanced digital technology in agriculture, mostly used by large scale farmers, significantly contributes to sustainable agriculture. However, the existing digital services for smallholder farmers lack sustainability in the agriculture context and hardly meet the needs for a comprehensive set of services in a complete farming cycle. In most developing countries, Tanzania case included, digital technology and services respond to a challenge at a particular stage of the farming process or to a specific value chain. Based on this literature review, we identify inequalities among large and small farmers, as well as environmental challenges caused by ICT itself. To conclude we provide suggestions for improvements for smallholder farmers: developing a digital platform that addresses smallholder farmers’ challenges in a complete farming cycle, bringing together the stakeholders at a country level, in order to achieve sustainable agriculture and support adoption of cutting-edge digital technology. These suggestions will be the starting point for future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Gilbert E. Mushi & Giovanna Di Marzo Serugendo & Pierre-Yves Burgi, 2022. "Digital Technology and Services for Sustainable Agriculture in Tanzania: A Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-17, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:4:p:2415-:d:753835
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Jie Zhu & Xiangyang Zhou & Jin Guo, 2023. "Sustainability of Agriculture: A Study of Digital Groundwater Supervision," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-15, March.
    2. Jiangning Cao & Yasir Ahmed Solangi, 2023. "Analyzing and Prioritizing the Barriers and Solutions of Sustainable Agriculture for Promoting Sustainable Development Goals in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-22, May.
    3. Chenyang Liu & Xinyao Wang & Ziming Bai & Hongye Wang & Cuixia Li, 2023. "Does Digital Technology Application Promote Carbon Emission Efficiency in Dairy Farms? Evidence from China," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-23, April.
    4. Jules Degila & Ida Sèmévo Tognisse & Anne-Carole Honfoga & Sèton Calmette Ariane Houetohossou & Fréjus Ariel Kpedetin Sodedji & Hospice Gérard Gracias Avakoudjo & Souand Peace Gloria Tahi & Achille Ep, 2023. "A Survey on Digital Agriculture in Five West African Countries," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-15, May.
    5. Yafeng Han & Tetiana Shevchenko & Bernard Yannou & Meisam Ranjbari & Zahra Shams Esfandabadi & Michael Saidani & Ghada Bouillass & Kseniia Bliumska-Danko & Guohou Li, 2023. "Exploring How Digital Technologies Enable a Circular Economy of Products," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-20, January.
    6. Ren, Xiaocong & He, Jun & Huang, Zilong, 2023. "Innovation, natural resources abundance, climate change and green growth in agriculture," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 85(PA).
    7. Huihui Liu & Hui Yu & Hongmin Zhou & Xiantang Zhang, 2023. "Research on the Influencing Factors of Construction Enterprises’ Digital Transformation Based on DEMATEL-TAISM," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-22, June.
    8. Guimin Zhang & Xiangling Wu & Ke Wang, 2022. "Research on the Impact and Mechanism of Internet Use on the Poverty Vulnerability of Farmers in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-16, April.
    9. Mohammad Amiri-Zarandi & Mehdi Hazrati Fard & Samira Yousefinaghani & Mitra Kaviani & Rozita Dara, 2022. "A Platform Approach to Smart Farm Information Processing," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-18, June.
    10. Yeboah, Samuel, 2023. "Unlocking the Potential of Technological Innovations for Sustainable Agriculture in Developing Countries: Enhancing Resource Efficiency and Environmental Sustainability," MPRA Paper 118215, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 26 Jul 2023.
    11. Olga Mapanje & Selma Karuaihe & Charles Machethe & Mao Amis, 2023. "Financing Sustainable Agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Review of the Role of Financial Technologies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-20, March.
    12. Lingjingyuan Xu & Jianming Yao, 2022. "Supply Chain Scheduling Optimization in an Agricultural Socialized Service Platform Based on the Coordination Degree," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-20, December.
    13. Yeboah, Samuel, 2023. "Unlocking the Potential of Technological Innovations for Sustainable Agriculture in Developing Countries: Enhancing Resource Efficiency and Environmental Sustainability," MPRA Paper 118216, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 04 Aug 2023.
    14. Oekan S. Abdoellah & Indri Wulandari & Kinanti Indah Safitri & Nafa Destri Fianti & Rahma Maulia Fadli Basagevan & Mega Nurul Aini & Rosalina Ilmi Amalia & Mahardhika Puspa Arum Suraloka & Gemilang La, 2023. "Urban Agriculture in Great Bandung Region in the Midst of Commercialization, Food Insecurity, and Nutrition Inadequacy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-15, June.
    15. Ollerenshaw, Alison & Murphy, Angela & Walters, Judi & Robinson, Nathan & Thompson, Helen, 2023. "Use of digital technology for research data and information transfer within the Australian grains sector: A case study using Online Farm Trials," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 206(C).

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