Digital Literacy and Technology Adoption in Agriculture: A Systematic Review of Factors and Strategies
María Arangurí, Huilder Mera, William Noblecilla, Cristina Lucini
Abstract
This systematic review analyzed a total of 109 scientific articles with the aim of identifying, organizing, and synthesizing academic output related to digital literacy, technology adoption in agricultural sectors, digital skills, and socioeconomic and cultural factors that influence the implementation of emerging technologies. Peer-reviewed academic publications available in open access and written in English were reviewed, complying with the PRISMA protocol guidelines. They came predominantly from Europe, Asia, and Latin America, which allowed for a global perspective. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed approaches were applied, highlighting the use of surveys, interviews, and bibliometric analysis. Factors affecting the adoption of precision agriculture by smallholder farmers, challenges for the implementation of technologies in rural contexts, and sociocultural barriers to technological innovation were evaluated. The trend focuses on the need for sound public policies, continuous training strategies, technological accessibility, and contextualized approaches to ensure effective technology adoption. In conclusion, a broad and critical overview of the advances, limitations, and challenges surrounding digital literacy and technology adoption is provided as a basis for an in-depth debate on the digital transformation of contemporary agriculture.