Information systems (IS) and smallholder farming in developing countries: A systematic literature review

Authors

  • Peter Mkhize School of Computing, University of South Africa (UNISA) Science Campus, Johannesburg

    DOI:

    https://doi.org/10.23962/ajic.i33.17050

    Keywords:

    information systems (IS), smallholder farming, developing world, technology adoption, sustainable agriculture, literacy, food security

    Abstract

    In the context of the fourth industrial revolution, the potential of information systems (IS) to revolutionise smallholder farming practices and enhance sustainability is a topic of growing interest, particularly in developing countries. This systematic literature review examines the intersection of agriculture and IS to explore how technology adoption can help to transform small-scale, subsistence farming enterprises into profit-generating, sustainable small businesses, while at the same time addressing the unique challenges present in developing-world contexts. The review critically examines the potential barriers and challenges faced by smallholder farmers in adopting and effectively using IS solutions in their operations. Among other things, the review investigates the assumption of basic literacy in many IS theories, and the extent to which this assumption aligns with the reality of developing-world smallholder farming communities, where literacy levels and digital proficiency may be limited.

     

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    Published

    31-08-2024

    Issue

    No. 33 (2024)

    Section

    Research Articles

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    Copyright (c) 2024 Peter Mkhize

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    This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

    How to Cite

    Mkhize, P. (2024) “Information systems (IS) and smallholder farming in developing countries: A systematic literature review”, The African Journal of Information and Communication (AJIC), (33), pp. 1–21. doi:10.23962/ajic.i33.17050.