Crop monitoring in smallholder farms using unmanned aerial vehicles to facilitate precision agriculture practices: a scoping review and bibliometric analysis

S. Gokool, M. Mahomed, R. Kunz, A. Clulow, M. Sibanda, V. Naiken, K. Chetty and Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi
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Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi: International Water Management Institute

Papers published in Journals (Open Access), 2023, 15(4):3557. (Special issue: Advanced Technologies, Techniques and Process for the Sustainable Precision Agriculture)

Abstract: In this study, we conducted a scoping review and bibliometric analysis to evaluate the state-of-the-art regarding actual applications of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technologies to guide precision agriculture (PA) practices within smallholder farms. UAVs have emerged as one of the most promising tools to monitor crops and guide PA practices to improve agricultural productivity and promote the sustainable and optimal use of critical resources. However, there is a need to understand how and for what purposes these technologies are being applied within smallholder farms. Using Biblioshiny and VOSviewer, 23 peer-reviewed articles from Scopus and Web of Science were analyzed to acquire a greater perspective on this emerging topical research focus area. The results of these investigations revealed that UAVs have largely been used for monitoring crop growth and development, guiding fertilizer management, and crop mapping but also have the potential to facilitate other PA practices. Several factors may moderate the potential of these technologies. However, due to continuous technological advancements and reductions in ownership and operational costs, there remains much cause for optimism regarding future applications of UAVs and associated technologies to inform policy, planning, and operational decision-making.

Keywords: Precision agriculture; Crop monitoring; Smallholders; Farming systems; Unmanned aerial vehicles; Bibliometric analysis; Food security; Machine learning; Remote sensing; Technology (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:iwt:jounls:h051762

DOI: 10.3390/su15043557

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