Digitalization of the agro-food sector for achieving sustainable development goals: a review

Abstract

Food security and agricultural sustainability are essential for an equitable and healthy society. Increasing food demand, growing inequalities, climate change and pandemics are converging to undermine food security. These factors are contributing to an impending global food crisis, with 30% of people worldwide lacking regular access to adequate food. Digital technologies offer unique opportunities to address techno-economic challenges in the agro-food sector by improving food production, quality, supply chain management and commerce. The innovations offered by digitalization in agricultural and food systems can help attain the 2030 United Nations sustainable development goals. Here, we review the importance and application of digitalization in the agriculture and food sectors. The modernization of agriculture through technological advancements such as artificial intelligence, precision farming, and big data analytics has been emphasized. The integration of these techniques would significantly increase yield with minimal human interference, leading to environmental, social and economic sustainability. The adoption of digital technologies in agriculture allows for at least a 23% reduction in costs and a nearly 5% decrease in the volume of medium-level waste. Furthermore, digitalization in food safety and electronic commerce is increasingly being adopted. Future trends lie in blockchain technology for improving traceability and personalized foods catering to individual consumer needs for better health and nutrition.