Knowledge Center Catalog

Factors affecting digital technology adoption by small-scale farmers in agriculture value chains (AVCs) in South Africa

Smidt, H.J.

Factors affecting digital technology adoption by small-scale farmers in agriculture value chains (AVCs) in South Africa - United Kingdom : Taylor & Francis, 2022.

Peer review Open access

Digital technologies enable small-scale farmers to reduce some constraints to participate in Agriculture Value Chains (AVCs). Small-scale farmers face significant challenges and barriers to adopting digital technology. This study contributes to the literature on digital development in three ways: present the economic, political, and social factors affecting digital adoption in the AVCs; highlight the implications for governance and institutional challenges; adds knowledge to the analytical value of the Choice Framework to study digital technology adoption. This paper after identifying more than 100 papers and articles, uses a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) aligned with Cooper’s [(2010). Research synthesis and meta-analysis: A step-by-step approach (5th ed.). Sage] approach to examine 52 articles published from 2014 to 2019, ultimately selecting the most relevant 36 studies. The study uses the Choice Framework that operationalizes the Capabilities Approach (CA) as a theoretical window for this research. Papers were classified into four different categories: economic; political; social factors; institutional/governance. The findings show: - the role of the state in governance and institutional support is critical to facilitate the collaboration and participation of different actors;-the importance to develop a comprehensive localized developmental implementation framework that can support the adoption of digital solutions to support small-scale farmers. Limitations for this study are highlighted and areas for further research are suggested.


Text in English

0268-1102 1554-0170 (Online)

https://doi.org/10.1080/02681102.2021.1975256


Digital technology
Technology adoption
Value chains
Small scale farming
Inclusive growth


South Africa

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