An internet of things adoption framework for the South African farming industry

Abstract

The use of the Internet of Things (IoT) in farming processes is enabling the sector to be gradually transformed with real time data acquisition and resource optimization. However, IoT implementation in South African farming is constrained by the lack of infrastructure support, high expense, and limited digital literacy amongst farmers. Accordingly, this study develops an IoT adoption framework suitable for South Africa and applies the PRISMA-ScR framework to conduct a systematic scoping review. The article maps factors towards the IoT adoption, this includes interoperability and economic issues. The study recommends collaboration between technology providers and farmers in order to encourage adoption of IoT and make future research recommendations on real world use of the framework for evaluation. The paper presents a framework that the stakeholders could use to address adoption problems and foster sustainable digital transformation in farming .