The Influence of E-Commerce Platforms on Sustainable Agriculture Practices among Smallholder Farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa

Mishal Trevor Morepje (), Moses Zakhele Sithole, Nomzamo Sharon Msweli and Azikiwe Isaac Agholor
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Mishal Trevor Morepje: School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela 1200, South Africa
Moses Zakhele Sithole: School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela 1200, South Africa
Nomzamo Sharon Msweli: School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela 1200, South Africa
Azikiwe Isaac Agholor: School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela 1200, South Africa

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 15, 1-24

Abstract: Sustainable agriculture is vital for food security and environmental conservation in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where smallholder farmers encounter challenges like limited resources and market access. E-commerce platforms offer potential solutions by enhancing connectivity and sustainable practices. This review assesses the impact of such platforms on smallholder agriculture in the region, analysing the literature, reports, and case studies from 2010 to 2024 sourced from databases like Google Scholar and Scopus. Inclusion criteria focused on market access, economic outcomes, and sustainability. Findings indicate that e-commerce platforms notably improve market access, leading to better prices and reduced post-harvest losses. They also facilitate information flow, encouraging sustainable practices. However, challenges such as digital literacy and infrastructure deficits persist. E-commerce platforms positively influence sustainable agriculture in SSA by improving market access and supporting sustainable practices. Overcoming barriers through policy interventions and capacity-building is crucial for maximising these benefits. Further research is needed to explore long-term impacts and scalable models.

Keywords: e-commerce; sustainable agriculture; smallholder farmers; SSA (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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