Technological innovation in agribusiness: A systematic review of emerging technologies, sustainability impacts and adoption challenges

Technological innovation is rapidly transforming the agribusiness sector by providing solutions to food security, climate change, and resource management challenges. This systematic review synthesizes recent literature on major technological innovations in agribusiness, including precision agriculture, Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), agricultural robotics, and blockchain technology. Using a structured review approach, peer-reviewed studies published between 2002 and 2025 were analyzed to evaluate the impacts of these technologies on productivity, efficiency, sustainability, and supply chain management.
The review reveals that precision agriculture and AI-based systems demonstrate the strongest positive impacts on productivity and resource optimization, while blockchain technology shows promise primarily in traceability and food safety management. However, the effectiveness of these technologies varies depending on infrastructure availability, technical expertise, and economic capacity. Studies also indicate that smallholder farmers in developing countries face significant barriers related to cost, digital literacy, and limited internet connectivity, contributing to a widening digital divide in agriculture.
Although technological innovation offers substantial benefits, some studies highlight concerns regarding data privacy, high implementation costs, technological dependency, and unequal access to digital resources. Existing literature remains heavily focused on developed economies, with limited long-term studies assessing socio-economic impacts in developing regions. The review emphasizes the need for inclusive innovation strategies, stronger policy support, affordable digital solutions, and future research focused on accessibility and sustainability.