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Agriculture
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Sustainable and Smart Agriculture and Rural Areas: Economic, Environmental and...
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Sustainable and Smart Agriculture and Rural Areas: Economic, Environmental and Technological Aspects

A special issue of Agriculture (ISSN 2077-0472). This special issue belongs to the section "Agricultural Economics, Policies and Rural Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (26 August 2024) | Viewed by 23352

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Piotr Prus

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Guest Editor
Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, Al. prof. S. Kaliskiego 7 (Building E, Room 302), 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland
Interests: sustainable development; sustainable development of rural areas and agriculture; education for sustainable development; rural advisory services; agricultural knowledge and innovation systems (AKIS); diffusion and adoption of innovations in rural areas; multifunctional development of rural areas; entrepreneurship; non-agricultural entrepreneurship in rural areas; horizontal and vertical integration in the food sector and agriculture; formation and operation of agricultural producer groups
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Aksana Yarashynskaya

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, Al. Prof. S. Kaliskiego 7, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland
Interests: sustainable development; precision agriculture; smart village; bioeconomy; disruptive technologies; smart city; smart energy

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Natural resources’ scarcity, an exponentially growing global population, food security and food supply chain disruptions, declining biodiversity, and the adverse effects of agricultural production on the environment are just a small fraction of the mounting challenges and crises contemporary agriculture is exposed to.

Sustainable and smart agricultural practices are regarded as potential solutions for these pressuring challenges and represent a gateway for the prospective future developments of the agricultural industry, science and policies. The definitions of sustainable agriculture and smart agriculture incorporate numerous varieties of economic, environmental and technological aspects and impacts affecting the successful implementation of these theoretical conceptions into real-world agricultural solutions.

All these aspects are reflected to a different extent in the various agricultural policies, practices and research developments, where they are perceived as separate concepts as well as interconnected conceptions with potential linkages, synergies, contradictions, discrepancies, and final trade-offs mitigating the divergences between them. Their impacts on the future agricultural developments could be beneficial or harmful, depending on the contexts, geographies and developmental stages they are implemented in.

Considering the diverse nature of sustainable agriculture and smart agriculture theoretical conceptions and real-world applications, this Special Issue welcomes the submission of original research, reviews, and perspective papers focused on the sustainable and smart development of agriculture and rural areas through the prism of economic, environmental, and technological challenges, implications and solutions.

Dr. Piotr Prus
Dr. Aksana Yarashynskaya
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Agriculture is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • sustainability
  • agriculture and rural areas
  • socio-economic problems of agriculture and rural areas
  • environmental policy and impact
  • sustainable and smart technologies
  • precision agriculture
  • agricultural production
  • crop production
  • livestock production
  • food production and food security

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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22 pages, 4040 KiB  
Article
Pathways to Rural Sustainability: Opportunities and Challenges in the Creation of an Agrotechnological District in Ingaí City, Brazil
by Caroline Mendonça Nogueira Paiva, Derick David Quintino, Thacyo Bruno Custódio de Morais, Elisa Guimarães Cozadi, Jaqueline Severino da Costa, Paulo Henrique Montagnana Vicente Leme and José Roberto Soares Scolforo
Agriculture 2024, 14(12), 2185; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14122185 - 29 Nov 2024
Viewed by 411
Abstract
An agrotechnological district (ATD) integrates sustainable agricultural practices and technologies, aiming to transform rural communities by stimulating socioeconomic development and addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Ingaí, a dairy-producing municipality in Minas Gerais, Brazil, stands to benefit from the implementation of an ATD. [...] Read more.
An agrotechnological district (ATD) integrates sustainable agricultural practices and technologies, aiming to transform rural communities by stimulating socioeconomic development and addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Ingaí, a dairy-producing municipality in Minas Gerais, Brazil, stands to benefit from the implementation of an ATD. This study aimed to identify the opportunities and challenges for the implementation of an ATD in the municipality, considering its socioeconomic characteristics, the level of producers’ technological adoption, connectivity infrastructure, support networks, and rural and market management. The method was based on an exploratory case study, using semi-structured group interviews for data collection, conducted in March 2024, with agricultural stakeholders. As a result, key challenges emerged: limited connectivity infrastructure; ineffective property management; rural family succession problems; barriers in accessing credit; resistance to the adoption of technologies; and dependence on the local government. Opportunities included the strengthening of support networks among the agents of rural productive activity; the promotion of technology adoption by producers; and creating training and rural extension programs. The adoption of these initiatives can stimulate Ingaí’s economic and social development, generate multiplier effects in its region of influence, and serve as a model for other initiatives in the state of Minas Gerais, the main dairy hub in the country, and one of the primary drivers of Brazilian agribusiness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable and Smart Agriculture and Rural Areas: Economic, Environmental and Technological Aspects)
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15 pages, 441 KiB  
Article
Agrowellness Goods Distribution in the Light of Sustainability: The Consumer Perspective and the Case of Slovenia’s Eastern Cohesion Region
by Lazar Pavić and Milica Rančić Demir
Agriculture 2024, 14(10), 1698; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14101698 - 27 Sep 2024
Viewed by 658
Abstract
This study explores the distribution of agrowellness products and services from a sustainability perspective, focusing on consumer perceptions in Slovenia’s Eastern Cohesion Region. Utilizing an empirical approach through an online survey, the research assesses how sustainable lifestyle practices influence the frequency of agrowellness [...] Read more.
This study explores the distribution of agrowellness products and services from a sustainability perspective, focusing on consumer perceptions in Slovenia’s Eastern Cohesion Region. Utilizing an empirical approach through an online survey, the research assesses how sustainable lifestyle practices influence the frequency of agrowellness goods consumption and their perceived availability. The study employs structural equation modeling (SEM) to test four hypotheses, revealing that sustainable lifestyle practices positively affect the frequency of agrowellness product usage, enhancing the perception of product availability. A critical novel contribution of the research is identifying sociodemographic factors as significant moderators of these relationships, offering more profound insights into consumer behavior. Additionally, the frequency of use mediates the link between a sustainable lifestyle and perceived availability, with gender, age, education, and the place of residence as essential moderators. The findings contribute to theory and practice, offering actionable recommendations for marketing and distribution strategies to enhance the accessibility and appeal of agrowellness products. These insights provide valuable guidance for stakeholders in agriculture, rural development, and wellness tourism, with broader implications for policy development aimed at promoting sustainable lifestyles and supporting rural economies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable and Smart Agriculture and Rural Areas: Economic, Environmental and Technological Aspects)
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19 pages, 3457 KiB  
Article
OPTIMILK: A Web-Based Tool for Least-Cost Dairy Ration Optimization Using Linear Programming
by Danijel Mijić, Grujica Vico, Božidar Popović, Nataša Popović, Miloš Ljubojević and Mihajlo Savić
Agriculture 2024, 14(9), 1580; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14091580 - 11 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1079
Abstract
Feed costs represent a significant component of milk production expenses, making up a share of 50% or more of the total cost. The optimization of feed costs is important to achieve financial stability, competitiveness, and sustainability in dairy farming. Optimizing dairy rations not [...] Read more.
Feed costs represent a significant component of milk production expenses, making up a share of 50% or more of the total cost. The optimization of feed costs is important to achieve financial stability, competitiveness, and sustainability in dairy farming. Optimizing dairy rations not only improves economic efficiency but also plays a significant role in reducing the environmental impact of dairy farming. On the other hand, dairy rations need to meet the specific nutritional requirements of cattle to ensure their health, well-being, and maximum milk production. The formulation of an optimal dairy ration is not an easy task for farmers due to the many challenges they face in this process. This study presents an intuitive web-based tool called OPTIMILK that is used for the optimization of dairy rations using the Simplex method of linear programming. This tool enables farmers to efficiently find a least-cost ration considering the nutritional needs of dairy cows, feed availability and costs, and the nutritional composition of feed. The tool was created for a dairy farmers’ association in Bosnia and Herzegovina and made available to its members for free. After almost four years of operation, the tool’s usage was evaluated by analyzing the collected data. The results show that after an initial period of low activity, there was evidence of an increase in the level of use, which implies the gradual adoption of the tool in dairy farming practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable and Smart Agriculture and Rural Areas: Economic, Environmental and Technological Aspects)
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22 pages, 308 KiB  
Article
ICT and Agricultural Development in South Africa: An Auto-Regressive Distributed Lag Approach
by Simion Matsvai and Yiseyon Sunday Hosu
Agriculture 2024, 14(8), 1253; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14081253 - 30 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1137
Abstract
The use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) forms a significant component of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). This study examined the impact of ICT on agricultural development in South Africa utilizing time series data from 1995 to 2022. Agricultural development was measured through [...] Read more.
The use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) forms a significant component of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). This study examined the impact of ICT on agricultural development in South Africa utilizing time series data from 1995 to 2022. Agricultural development was measured through agricultural output and agriculture total factor productivity as dependent variables. Traditional factors of production (land, labor, and capital) together with ICT variables (mobile cellphone subscriptions, Internet usage, and fixed telephone subscriptions) were used. Additional variables such as inflation, human development, access to energy and climate change were used. Data analysis was performed using the ARDL approach. The findings revealed that mobile phone subscriptions and Internet usage positively affect agricultural output and ATFP in the short and long run despite having a negative effect through the second lag in the short run. Fixed telephone subscriptions negatively affect ATFP in the long run while affecting output negatively in the short run through the first lag. Land, human development index, access to energy, and capital generally exhibited an increasing effect on both agricultural output and ATFP both in the short and long run through the various models estimated. Climate change and inflation were generally found to affect both agricultural output and ATFP negatively in the short and long run. The study concluded that ICT plays a significant role in promoting agricultural output and total factor productivity growth. Recommendations included that the South African government should promote the digitalization of the agriculture sector through the provision of ICT infrastructure that can be utilized by both smallholder farmers and large-scale agricultural producers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable and Smart Agriculture and Rural Areas: Economic, Environmental and Technological Aspects)
24 pages, 1678 KiB  
Article
A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Relationship between Digital Technology Use and Agricultural Productivity in EU Countries
by Claudiu George Bocean
Agriculture 2024, 14(4), 519; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14040519 - 25 Mar 2024
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5018
Abstract
Amidst the rapid evolution of digital technologies and their prospective implications for agricultural productivity, farmers are increasingly turning to Agriculture 4.0. As digitization permeates every facet of agriculture, the potential for boosting productivity while ensuring sustainability and resilience becomes increasingly tangible. The objective [...] Read more.
Amidst the rapid evolution of digital technologies and their prospective implications for agricultural productivity, farmers are increasingly turning to Agriculture 4.0. As digitization permeates every facet of agriculture, the potential for boosting productivity while ensuring sustainability and resilience becomes increasingly tangible. The objective of this study is to understand how the adoption of digital technologies influences agricultural productivity within the diverse socioeconomic and agricultural landscapes of EU nations. The research of this study aims to address questions concerning the impact of digital technology use on agricultural productivity across EU countries. This study employs a robust analytical framework combining equation modeling (SEM), artificial neural networks, and cluster analysis. SEM analysis reveals significant associations and influences between digital technology use and productivity related to the total labor force across EU countries. Moreover, cluster analysis outlines distinct clusters of EU member states distinguished by varying degrees of digital technology incorporation and corresponding agricultural productivity, emphasizing the diverse socioeconomic contexts that influence these associations. These findings underscore the significance of embracing digital technology as a catalyst for enhancing agricultural productivity across EU nations. Future research could focus on devising strategies to promote the widespread adoption of digital technologies in agriculture across EU member states, and longitudinal analyses could offer insights into the dynamic relationship between digital technology use and agricultural output, informing policy interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable and Smart Agriculture and Rural Areas: Economic, Environmental and Technological Aspects)
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28 pages, 354 KiB  
Article
Exploring Cooperative Mechanisms in the Chinese Agricultural Value Chain: A Game Model Analysis Based on Leading Enterprises and Small Farmers
by Qiang Jin, Hui Dang, Heng Wang and Zhenghe Zhang
Agriculture 2024, 14(3), 437; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14030437 - 7 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2733
Abstract
In the context of agricultural modernization in China, this paper examines the micro-level perspective of agricultural value chains. Drawing from three primary models of agricultural value chain cooperation—namely, “leading enterprises + small farmers”, “leading enterprises + cooperatives + small farmers”, and “corporate integration”—it [...] Read more.
In the context of agricultural modernization in China, this paper examines the micro-level perspective of agricultural value chains. Drawing from three primary models of agricultural value chain cooperation—namely, “leading enterprises + small farmers”, “leading enterprises + cooperatives + small farmers”, and “corporate integration”—it establishes four game models: the decentralized decision-making game model, the two revenue-sharing game models, and the centralized decision-making game model. It systematically analyzes the cooperation mechanisms between leading enterprises and small farmers in upstream production links of the agricultural value chain, aiming to improve the cooperation strategy between leading enterprises and small farmers, elevate the status of small farmers in the agricultural value chain, promote increased income for farmers, and strengthen the agricultural value chain. The research findings are as follows: Firstly, the traditional contract of “leading enterprise + smallholder farmers” is incomplete, which makes it difficult to avoid opportunism and moral hazard that may arise between the two parties. By comparing multiple parameter values, it is found that this model is at a lower level of agricultural value chain development. Secondly, the model of “leading enterprise + cooperative + smallholder farmers” improves the tightness and stability of cooperation between leading enterprises and smallholder farmers. This model explains to some extent the operability of smallholder farmers sharing the value of the agricultural value chain. Compared with various parameter values, this model is at a medium level between other models. Finally, the “corporate integration” model is a fully vertical integration model. Compared with various parameter values, this model is at an advanced stage of agricultural value chain development. Therefore, agricultural value chains will ultimately develop toward the direction of corporate integration. This study has positive practical significance for enhancing the status and claim rights of small farmers, promoting increased income for farmers, enhancing the consistency of values between leading enterprises and small farmers, strengthening the stability of the agricultural value chain, and ultimately achieving common prosperity and agricultural modernization in China. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable and Smart Agriculture and Rural Areas: Economic, Environmental and Technological Aspects)
17 pages, 3150 KiB  
Article
Regional Perspective of Using Cyber Insurance as a Tool for Protection of Agriculture 4.0
by Maksym W. Sitnicki, Nataliia Prykaziuk, Humeniuk Ludmila, Olena Pimenowa, Florin Imbrea, Laura Șmuleac and Raul Pașcalău
Agriculture 2024, 14(2), 320; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14020320 - 18 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1594
Abstract
The digitalization of the agricultural industry is manifested through the active use of innovative technologies in all its areas. Agribusiness owners have to constantly improve their security to meet new challenges. In this context, the existing cyber risks of the agrarian industry were [...] Read more.
The digitalization of the agricultural industry is manifested through the active use of innovative technologies in all its areas. Agribusiness owners have to constantly improve their security to meet new challenges. In this context, the existing cyber risks of the agrarian industry were assessed and their classification by possible consequences, such as data theft or alteration, cyber terrorism, cyber warfare, software hacking or modification, the blocking of markets and transactions on them, was proposed. Cyber insurance is an effective tool for minimizing the likelihood of cyber incidents and for comprehensive post-incident support, with the involvement of cybersecurity specialists. An algorithm for cooperation between an agricultural company and an insurance company when concluding a cyber risk insurance contract is proposed, which takes into account the needs and wishes of insurers at each stage of the interaction. To assess the need to use cyber insurance in agriculture 4.0, a methodology has been developed to evaluate the regional characteristics of cybersecurity and the digitalization of agribusiness. The results of the study show a heterogeneous need for this tool in different regions of the world. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable and Smart Agriculture and Rural Areas: Economic, Environmental and Technological Aspects)
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Review

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17 pages, 3918 KiB  
Review
The Role of Human Resource Management in Agricultural Labor-Saving Technologies: An Integrative Review and Science Mapping
by Dejsi Qorri, Enikő Pergéné Szabó, János Felföldi and Krisztián Kovács
Agriculture 2024, 14(7), 1144; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14071144 - 15 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4023
Abstract
The integrative role of human resource management continues to rise as a topic in sustainable and smart agriculture. This dual focus emphasizes new solutions for agricultural businesses and rural areas, incorporating academic concepts with practical implementations to address the pressing challenges coming from [...] Read more.
The integrative role of human resource management continues to rise as a topic in sustainable and smart agriculture. This dual focus emphasizes new solutions for agricultural businesses and rural areas, incorporating academic concepts with practical implementations to address the pressing challenges coming from the implementation of labor-saving technologies. The study employs the integrative review method, along with science mapping of literature. After a careful selection of studies from the Scopus database, we included 149 papers for our analysis. Our findings suggest that the overall scholarly work has been concentrated on the topics of entrepreneurship and organizational structure. We conclude that the literature is mostly directed toward sustainability development goals such as gender, diversity, and youth. The current trends topics are “collective action” and “artificial intelligence”. Furthermore, our study offered insights into developing and emerging themes, trends, and future directions. The HRM functions that play a pivotal role in the adoption of labor-saving technology adoption are knowledge management, change management, labor allocation, sustainability allocation, and regulatory compliance. Moreover, we provided the practical implementation of the HRM roles and future directions. This study benefits agricultural researchers, agricultural managers, and policymakers because it gives a comprehensive and interdisciplinary perspective. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable and Smart Agriculture and Rural Areas: Economic, Environmental and Technological Aspects)
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29 pages, 995 KiB  
Review
Smart Pig Farming—A Journey Ahead of Vietnam
by Md Sharifuzzaman, Hong-Seok Mun, Keiven Mark B. Ampode, Eddiemar B. Lagua, Hae-Rang Park, Young-Hwa Kim, Md Kamrul Hasan and Chul-Ju Yang
Agriculture 2024, 14(4), 555; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14040555 - 31 Mar 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4719
Abstract
Vietnam heavily relies on pork as its primary source of animal protein. Traditional farming methods, characterized by small-scale operations, dominate the industry. However, challenges such as rising feed costs, disease outbreaks, and market volatility are prompting many farmers to abandon their businesses. Recognizing [...] Read more.
Vietnam heavily relies on pork as its primary source of animal protein. Traditional farming methods, characterized by small-scale operations, dominate the industry. However, challenges such as rising feed costs, disease outbreaks, and market volatility are prompting many farmers to abandon their businesses. Recognizing the pivotal role of the swine sector in both economic development and nutrition, authorities must intervene to prevent its collapse. In developed nations, smart pig farming, utilizing technologies like sensors and cameras for data collection and real-time decision-making, has significantly improved health and productivity. These technologies can detect subtle indicators of animal well-being, enabling prompt intervention. This review aims to analyze the drivers of Vietnam’s swine farming, identify existing production system flaws, and explore innovative precision farming methods worldwide. Embracing precision farming promises to enhance Vietnam’s competitiveness in export markets and bolster consumer confidence. However, reliance solely on expensive foreign technologies may benefit large-scale farms, leaving smaller ones behind. Therefore, fostering local innovation and validating cost-effective solutions will be crucial for the sustainable growth of small- and medium-scale pig farming in Vietnam. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable and Smart Agriculture and Rural Areas: Economic, Environmental and Technological Aspects)
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