Background: The agricultural sector is a crucial component of a nation's economy, playing an indispensable role in its economic development. This sector not only ensures food security but also provides employment opportunities and contributes to rural development. The integration of technology into agriculture is vital for increasing production, enhancing efficiency, and facilitating access to global markets. Recent advances in emerging technologies have led to a significant paradigm shift within the agricultural landscape. This transformation, driven by digital technologies, is increasingly recognized as a flexible and sustainable solution for modernizing agricultural practices. This research aims to investigate technological trends and their functions in the agricultural value chain, ultimately facilitating a successful transition to smart agriculture. By exploring these trends, the study seeks to highlight the potential benefits of adopting innovative technologies in agriculture, including improved productivity, better resource management, and enhanced sustainability.
Methods: This research is practical in its objectives and systematic in its approach to data collection. The statistical population includes all English-language articles published in the field of smart agriculture between 2011 and 2022, sourced from the Web of Science and Scopus databases. In the initial phase, 3,257 articles were identified and analyzed using Vos Viewer for scientometric analysis. This software allows for the visualization of scientific data and the mapping of research trends, providing insights into the evolution of the field. Following this analysis, the research question was formulated, and the Prisma approach was applied to refine the selection of articles. Ultimately, 33 articles were chosen for a comprehensive qualitative study. This combination of quantitative and qualitative methodologies enables a thorough exploration of the topic, offering both statistical insights and in-depth analyses of the selected literature.
Results: In the quantitative section of this research, knowledge maps were utilized to illustrate the growth trend of scientific articles in the field of smart agriculture. This analysis included the identification of key journals, research centers, and active countries contributing to this body of work. Furthermore, the study pinpointed authors with the highest publication outputs and assessed scientific networks to evaluate their influence within the field. The results indicate a growing interest in smart agriculture, reflected in the increasing number of publications and collaborations among researchers. In the qualitative section, the research findings reveal that the INTERNET of THINGS (IoT) is the most significant technological domain in the agricultural sector. IoT enables the interconnectivity of devices and systems, facilitating real-time data collection and monitoring, which are essential for informed decision-making in agriculture. Other important technologies identified include artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data analytics, blockchain technology, wireless sensor networks, remote sensing, various types of sensors, cloud computing, fog and edge computing, and low-power wide-area networks. These technologies can be categorized into four primary groups based on their functionalities: data collection, computation and communication, data security and integration, and prediction and classification. Data collection technologies facilitate the gathering of agricultural data from various sources, enabling farmers to make data-driven decisions. Computation and communication tools process and transmit data efficiently, ensuring timely access to critical information. Data security and integration solutions protect sensitive agricultural data while integrating various systems for seamless operation. Prediction and classification technologies assist in forecasting agricultural trends and categorizing data for better management practices. The insights generated from this research are expected to serve as a critical foundation for managers and policymakers. Understanding the current technological landscape will enable them to formulate strategies, policies, and development programs that effectively leverage these innovations to enhance productivity and sustainability in the agricultural sector.
Conclusion: Based on the identified trends, it is clear that government intervention is essential for fostering the development of smart agriculture. By adopting strategic measures and creating appropriate frameworks, the government can significantly contribute to this sector's advancement. Key actions include developing technical infrastructure, investing in human capital, supporting research and development initiatives, encouraging smart agricultural practices, providing financial support, and establishing guaranteed markets for agricultural products. These efforts will not only enhance productivity in the agricultural sector but also promote sustainable development, ultimately leading to an improvement in the country's capabilities. The transition to smart agriculture represents a significant opportunity to address the challenges faced by the agricultural sector, including climate change, resource scarcity, and the need for increased food production. By embracing technological advancements and fostering an environment conducive to innovation, nations can ensure the long-term viability and competitiveness of their agricultural industries. In summary, the findings of this study underscore the importance of technological integration within the agricultural value chain. As the sector continues to evolve, stakeholders must remain vigilant and adaptive to emerging trends, ensuring that they harness the full potential of technology to drive growth and sustainability. Future research should continue to explore the impacts of these technologies on agricultural practices and investigate additional strategies for enhancing their adoption across diverse agricultural contexts. This comprehensive approach will not only benefit individual farmers but also contribute to the broader economic and social well-being of communities, ultimately paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable agricultural future.