Agricultural Sustainability and Economic Viability: The Role of Technology
A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 17 May 2026 | Viewed by 121
Special Issue Editors
Interests: economic growth; irrigation; agriculture econometrics; microeconomics; development economics; research methodology; qualitative research; rural livelihoods
Interests: agricultural economics
Interests: neural networks; double hurdle; deep learning; typology
Interests: climate change; development economics; open market macroeconomics; international economics (regional integration); behavioral economics
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
There is a critical nexus between economic viability and sustainable agricultural systems. However, economic viability alone, although necessary, is not a sufficient condition for sustainability. Research is needed to ground the concept in line with institutional and resource economics, in addition to obtaining strong support from technological developments, noting the fact that technology can be both a disruptor and an enabler in the process of achieving agricultural sustainability. This Special Issue thus responds to the now urgent global call for the reconceptualization of technology and how it can contribute to resilient, economically viable agricultural systems that enhance livelihoods while simultaneously safeguarding environmental sustainability. Drawing from a wide range of global communities such as water governance, (community-based) resource management, and value chain economics, this Special Issue welcomes theoretical and empirical explorations into how technological developments, such as precision farming, blockchain, and digital cooperatives, can bridge systemic gaps in sustainable resource allocation, production efficiency, and market integration. The aim is to amplify voices from diverse geographic and economic contexts, especially those in the Global South, where technological advancements and technological adoption must be balanced with social justice, equity considerations, and (often inadequate) local institutional capacities. Moreover, this Special Issue will serve as an intellectual platform for scholars, development practitioners, and policymakers to critically reflect, share innovations, and influence the policy landscape around economically viable yet sustainable agricultural systems in the digital age, highlighting the role that technology will play in the context of climate change.
Dr. Godswill Makombe
Prof. Dr. Ajuruchukwu Obi
Dr. Anne Gongwe
Dr. Ngonidzashe Chiranga
Dr. Binganidzo Muchara
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- economic viability
- agricultural sustainability
- communities of practice
- institutional economics
- resource economics
- technology
- precision farming
- blockchain and digital cooperatives
- justice
- equity
- climate change
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