From connectivity gaps to training needs: Why digital literacy shapes farming futures

Digital skills are now a  key factor in determining whether farmers worldwide can benefit from the latest agricultural innovations. A new study points out the critical need for improved connectivity, training, and context-specific strategies to ensure that rural communities are not left behind in the global transition to digital farming.

The research, titled “Digital Literacy and Technology Adoption in Agriculture: A Systematic Review of Factors and Strategies” and published in AgriEngineering in 2025, systematically reviews 109 open-access studies published between 2015 and 2025. Using PRISMA 2020 guidelines and registered under PROSPERO (CRD420251088831), the study provides one of the most comprehensive evaluations to date of the relationship between farmers’ digital literacy and the adoption of agricultural technologies across regions.

What drives and blocks digital adoption in farming

The study finds that digital literacy plays a decisive role in whether farmers adopt modern tools such as smartphones, apps, IoT sensors, drones, and precision farming platforms. The research shows a two-way relationship: digital skills accelerate the uptake of new technologies, while repeated use of these tools reinforces and expands those skills.

Several barriers remain consistent across the literature. Weak internet access, high device and connectivity costs, limited technical support, and low digital awareness are the most significant obstacles. Education levels and generational divides also matter, with younger farmers more likely to adopt digital platforms, while older farmers often lag behind. At the same time, strong community networks, peer-to-peer learning, and shared experience within rural groups have proven powerful drivers of adoption.

The review highlights the growing importance of platforms built on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data principles. For example, national initiatives like Australia’s Online Farm Trials (OFT) demonstrate how open data sharing can encourage farmer engagement and expand the impact of digital literacy. The findings suggest that policies promoting open, accessible data platforms can magnify the benefits of individual training programs.

Regional patterns in digital literacy and agriculture

The systematic review identifies clear differences across regions in how farmers engage with digital tools.

In Europe, infrastructure is relatively strong and many farmers already use advanced tools. The challenge is generational, as older farmers are less digitally skilled and often reluctant to participate in training programs. Policies therefore focus on bridging the age gap through targeted education.

In Asia, connectivity remains inconsistent, particularly in rural areas. However, community-based training, smartphone penetration, and culturally adapted learning strategies are helping to overcome barriers. The review notes that localized approaches, such as gamified training or mobile-based advisory services, show promise in reaching diverse groups.

In Latin America, farmers face both economic constraints and a shortage of local technical support. Adoption is often slow, but innovative strategies, such as leveraging local narratives, peer networks, and gamification, are helping farmers experiment with digital tools.

In Africa, the biggest hurdles are infrastructure gaps, gender divides, and high costs of access. Community radio, SMS-based advisory services, and hands-on field training have become essential strategies for promoting digital engagement. Women farmers in particular face systemic barriers, and the study underscores the importance of inclusive approaches to ensure equitable participation.

Which strategies work and what gaps remain

The evidence shows that successful strategies combine context-specific training, peer-to-peer learning, and accessible platforms. Farmers respond best when programs address immediate needs such as irrigation, crop monitoring, and decision-making support. When training is linked to real-world challenges, adoption rates improve substantially.

The authors highlight several conceptual models that help explain adoption trends, including the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the Technology Readiness Index (TRI), and the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS). These frameworks shed light on the interplay between digital literacy, perceived usefulness, and social dynamics in driving or blocking technology adoption. Econometric models such as Tobit are also widely used to measure timing and intensity of adoption.

Yet major gaps remain. Many studies do not examine the long-term impacts of digital training, leaving open questions about sustainability. The lack of standardized tools to measure digital literacy makes it harder to compare results across regions. Moreover, ethical concerns, including data ownership, digital rights, and inclusion, are rarely addressed directly, despite their importance for equitable agricultural modernization.

The authors recommend stronger investments in rural connectivity, targeted and ongoing training programs, and the development of standardized indicators to measure the effects of digital literacy on technology adoption. They stress that inclusive strategies are critical: without careful design, digital agriculture risks deepening existing inequalities rather than closing them.