Smart Agricultural Technologies, Digitalization and Sustainable Development Goals

Dear Colleagues,

Digitalization and advancements in digital technologies have significantly transformed agricultural development over the past decade. Entering the era of Agriculture 4.0, the implementation of digital and smart agricultural technologies brings with it substantial benefits alongside certain risks. These innovative technologies are anticipated to play a crucial role in achieving various sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly those concerning food security, responsible consumption, and climate action—specifically goals 2, 12, and 13.

In this Issue, we invite contributions that provide evidence of smart agricultural technologies aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We seek to answer the broader question: “How do smart agricultural technologies impact food practices, particularly in establishing sustainable agri-food systems?”

While digitalization presents numerous opportunities for partnership-building, knowledge sharing, and learning, it also introduces several challenges. These include issues related to data governance, ownership, inequality, and information disorder, which arises from the vast volume of both authentic and controversial information (e.g., organic farming, genetically modified crops, biotechnology, and local and indigenous knowledge).

A research team at the University of Guelph is actively studying the rise of misinformation and information disorder within the contexts of agri-food and climate change (see https://misinforesearch.com/). Their initial analysis has identified these issues as significant obstacles that hinder progress toward addressing pressing concerns, such as sustainable food production and climate change.

On the other hand, recent investments in artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in large language models (LLMs), have created immense opportunities alongside uncertainties. The growth and development facilitated by AI should be continuously monitored and weighed against potential risks, such as ethical concerns (e.g., privacy and inequality) and future legal implications. Moreover, existing laws and policies continue to evolve in terms of accountability and compensation related to wrongdoing involving robots and AI technologies.

The aim of this Special Issue is to foster critical discussions that promote the adoption of sustainable practices in agriculture and food systems through the use of digital technologies. Our focus is on encouraging sustainable farming practices, climate-resilient agriculture, biodiversity preservation, and sustainable food distribution methods. Ultimately, we intend to provide valuable insights for a more sustainable future in global food systems by addressing these complex issues and seizing opportunities to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The papers chosen for this Special Issue will be subjected to thorough peer review, ensuring swift distribution of research findings and their practical applications. Our aim is to contribute to the global scholarships for creating a more sustainable future for agri-food systems, promoting climate-resilient methods and well-informed decision-making in today's digital era.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

1. Adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in agri-food systems.
2. Data ownership, privacy, legal aspects, and policy related to the responsible use of AI technologies in the agri-food systems.
3. Sustainable food distribution and logistics in the digital era.
4. Digitalization and sustainable farming practices (e.g., ago-ecology, organic farming, permaculture).
5. Digitalization and emerging technologies, such as LLM for agricultural advisory, extension, education, and trusted advice.
6. Understanding and combating agri-food and climate change misinformation in the digital age of food production and consumption.
7. Climate change vulnerability and resilience in agriculture and food systems.
8. Policies and governance for building climate-resilient food systems.
9. Biodiversity conservation and sustainable agriculture.
10. Climate change adaptation impact on food security.
11. Climatic disasters and social inequality: implications for food security of socially marginalized rural class.
12. Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) and food productivity.
13. Information and knowledge brokering for climate change resilient agri-food systems.
14. Human (farmers to consumers) behavior, response and (re) action to climate change impact on agri-food sector.
15. Capacity building for addressing risk and uncertainties (e.g., misinformation, digital equity, inequality) in agriculture.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Ataharul Chowdhury
Dr. Nasir Abbas Khan
Dr. Mahatab Uddin
Dr. Khondokar Humayun Kabir
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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