Digitalization for Sustainable Agri-Food Systems: Potential, Status, and Risks for the MENA Region

Rachel A. Bahn, Abed Al Kareem Yehya and Rami Zurayk
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Rachel A. Bahn: Food Security Program, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
Abed Al Kareem Yehya: Food Security Program, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
Rami Zurayk: Department of Landscape Design and Ecosystem Management and Food Security Program, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 6, 1-24

Abstract: Digital technologies offer a potential solution to improve sustainability—economic, social, and environmental—of agri-food systems around the globe. While developed countries have led the innovation and adoption of digital agriculture, the potential impact in developing countries—including in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region—is massive. This article synthesizes existing evidence to review the potential and current contribution of digital technologies to the agri-food sectors in MENA. Digital agriculture shows promise in addressing the key challenges facing the agri-food sector across MENA countries. Improvements in primary production, supply chain and logistics performance, and optimized use of scarce natural resources (notably agricultural water) could be notable, if digital technologies can be implemented as envisioned. Available evidence shows that adoption of digital agriculture is at early stages, generally led by high-value agricultural production targeting domestic markets in Gulf countries and export markets in Mashreq countries. Economic sustainability appears the strongest force for current adoption, with less focus on social or environmental sustainability. Public policies should not only foster the adoption of digital technologies in MENA but also ensure equity of access, transparency of use, data protections, and labor protections. Policymakers should move beyond traditional, production-centric views to deliver also on social and environmental sustainability.

Keywords: productivity; efficiency; sustainability; food security; agriculture; digital agriculture; smart farming; digitalization; digital technologies; Middle East and North Africa (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (10)

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