DIGITAL LITERACY AND TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION IN AGRICULTURE: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Agriculture is undergoing rapid transformation with the integration of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, and precision farming; however, their adoption remains uneven, particularly among smallholder farmers in developing regions. This study aims to systematically review the existing literature on digital literacy and technology adoption in agriculture, with a focus on identifying key determinants, challenges, and emerging research trends. A systematic literature review (SLR) approach was employed using the PRISMA framework, and relevant studies were retrieved from the Scopus database. An initial set of 584 articles was screened based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, resulting in the final selection of 43 peer-reviewed studies for analysis. The findings reveal that digital literacy plays a critical role in influencing farmers’ adoption behavior, acting as a bridge between technological availability and effective utilization. Bibliometric analysis indicates a growing but clustered research landscape, with dominant contributions from countries such as India and strong thematic emphasis on ICT, digital agriculture, financial inclusion, and sustainable development. Despite the potential benefits of digital technologies in enhancing productivity, efficiency, and resilience, several barriers persist, including low digital skills, inadequate infrastructure, high costs, and institutional limitations. Additionally, the presence of a digital divide continues to hinder inclusive agricultural development. The study highlights the need for integrated policy interventions, capacity-building initiatives, and improved digital infrastructure to promote equitable technology adoption. Overall, aligning digital innovation with human capabilities is essential for achieving sustainable and inclusive agricultural transformation