Drivers and Barriers to Digital Agriculture Adoption: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Challenges and Opportunities in Latin American

Thais Dibbern (), Luciana Romani and Silvia Massruhá
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Thais Dibbern: Embrapa Digital Agriculture, 209 André Tosello Avenue, Campinas 13083-886, SP, Brazil
Luciana Romani: Embrapa Digital Agriculture, 209 André Tosello Avenue, Campinas 13083-886, SP, Brazil
Silvia Massruhá: Embrapa, W3 Norte Avenue-Asa Norte, Brasilia 70770-901, DF, Brazil

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 8, 1-18

Abstract: This study aims to identify and analyze the adoption of digital agriculture in Latin America, focusing on Brazil, by examining barriers and drivers across diverse biomes. It identifies key factors influencing technology integration using a mixed-methods approach, including a literature review and empirical data from selected Brazilian municipalities. The central barriers include limited digital literacy, financial constraints, labor shortages, service provider accessibility, and infrastructure inadequacies. Drivers encompass productivity gains, cost reduction, improved management, infrastructure availability, and producer education. This research highlights the need for strategic policy interventions to address these barriers, enhancing digital literacy, infrastructure, and connectivity. Overcoming these challenges is crucial for realizing the transformative potential of digital agriculture and promoting productivity, sustainability, and economic development in the region.

Keywords: climate-smart practices; smart agriculture; AI in agriculture; digital technologies; sustainable agriculture (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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