Agricultural Social Networks: An Agricultural Value Chain-Based Digitalization Framework for an Inclusive Digital Economy

Abstract

Sustainable agriculture is the backbone of food security systems and a driver of human well-being in global economic development (Sustainable Development Goal SDG 3). With the increase in world population and the effects of climate change due to the industrialization of economies, food security systems are under pressure to sustain communities. This situation calls for the implementation of innovative solutions to increase and sustain efficacy from farm to table. Agricultural social networks (ASNs) are central in agriculture value chain (AVC) management and sustainability and consist of a complex network inclusive of interdependent actors such as farmers, distributors, processors, and retailers. Hence, social network structures (SNSs) and practices are a means to contextualize user scenarios in agricultural value chain digitalization and digital solutions development. Therefore, this research aimed to unearth the roles of agricultural social networks in AVC digitalization, enabling an inclusive digital economy. We conducted automated literature content analysis followed by the application of case studies to develop a conceptual framework for the digitalization of the AVC toward an inclusive digital economy. Furthermore, we propose a transdisciplinary framework that guides the digitalization systematization of the AVC, while articulating resilience principles that aim to attain sustainability. The outcomes of this study offer software developers, agricultural stakeholders, and policymakers a platform to gain an understanding of technological infrastructure capabilities toward sustaining communities through digitalized AVCs.

Untitled

“…The use of 5G technologies in the agricultural sector opens up new perspectives and significant opportunities, especially in remote areas, where a stable Internet connection is identified as a key factor for the implementation of precision technologies (Tomble & Smuts, 2023). One of the key benefits of 5G is the provision of a stable and fast Internet connection anywhere, including remote agricultural areas, opening up access to a large amount of data and resources critical to the implementation of a number of precision technologies in agricultural production.…”

A Longitudinal Analysis of the Impact of Digital Technologies on Sustainable Food Production and Consumption in the European Union

“…The use of digital technologies can enhance operational efficiency, reduce GHG emissions [31,93], and contribute to strengthening supply chain sustainability [121]. Digital technologies can increase operational efficiency while reducing environmental impact [122]. Furthermore, the digital technologies used in supply chains can enhance transparency and accountability throughout the process, facilitating monitoring and reporting of sustainable practices [59].…”

Research on Supply Chain Network Resilience: Considering Risk Propagation and Node Type

“…It refers to the property of an object that undergoes deformation under an external force and can recover its original size and shape when the external force is withdrawn. The concept of resilience has been widely used, for example, in psychology [33,34], ecology [35], and economics [36,37]. It is defined differently in different research areas.…”