Assessing Agri-Food Digitalization: Insights from Bibliometric and Survey Analysis in Andalusia

José Ramón Luque-Reyes (), Ali Zidi, Adolfo Peña-Acevedo and Rosa Gallardo-Cobos
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José Ramón Luque-Reyes: Department of Agricultural Economics, Higher Technical School of Agricultural and Forestry Engineering (ETSIAM), University of Cordoba, Rabanales University Campus, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
Ali Zidi: AgriEdge, Lot 660, Hay Moulay Rachid, Ben Guerir 43150, Morocco
Adolfo Peña-Acevedo: Department of Rural Engineering, Civil Constructions and Engineering Projects, Higher Technical School of Agricultural and Forestry Engineering (ETSIAM), University of Córdoba, Rabanales University Campus, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
Rosa Gallardo-Cobos: Department of Agricultural Economics, Higher Technical School of Agricultural and Forestry Engineering (ETSIAM), University of Cordoba, Rabanales University Campus, 14071 Córdoba, Spain

World, 2025, vol. 6, issue 2, 1-29

Abstract: The agri-food sector is going through a massive digital transformation thanks to new technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Regional disparities and implementation barriers prevent widespread uptake despite significant research advances. Drawing on bibliometric and survey data collected up to the end of 2023, this study examines global research trends and stakeholder perceptions in Andalusia (Spain) to identify challenges and opportunities in agricultural digitalization. Bibliographic analysis revealed that research has moved from early remote sensing to precision agriculture, IoT, robotics and big data, and that AI has recently taken over in predictive analytics, automation, and decision-support systems. However, our survey of Andalusian stakeholders highlighted a limited adoption of cutting-edge tools such as AI, blockchain, and predictive models due to economic constraints, technical challenges, and skepticism. Participants emphasized the importance of trust-building, as well as the use of simple tools that require minimal input and provide immediate benefits. Priorities for the responders were also improving market transparency, optimizing resource use, and system interoperability. The findings show that closing the gap between research and practice requires developing digital solutions that are user-centered, simplified, and context-adapted, especially when dealing with complex technologies like AI and predictive systems. This must be supported by targeted public policies and collaborative innovation ecosystems, all essential elements to accelerate the integration of smart agricultural technologies and align scientific innovation with real-world needs.

Keywords: agricultural digital transformation; technology adoption in agriculture; Andalusian agri-food sector; agri-food digitalization; smart farming; technology gap in agriculture (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: G15 G17 G18 L21 L22 L25 L26 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 R51 R52 R58 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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