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A scoping review of the digital agricultural revolution and ecosystem services: implications for Canadian policy and research agendas

Authors :
Eric Nost
Emily Duncan
Lenore Newman
Malcolm M. Campbell
Abdul-Rahim Abdulai
Krishna Bahadur Kc
Arthur G. Green
Alesandros Glaros
Philip Tetteh Quarshie
Robert Newell
Evan D. G. Fraser
Source :
FACETS. 6:1955-1985
Publication Year :
2021
Publisher :
Canadian Science Publishing, 2021.

Abstract

The application of technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, blockchain, cellular agriculture, and big data analytics to food systems has been described as a digital agricultural revolution with the potential to increase food security and reduce agriculture’s environmental footprint. Yet, the scientific evidence informing how these technologies may impact or enhance ecosystem services has not been comprehensively reviewed. In this scoping review, we examine how digital agricultural technologies may enhance agriculture’s support of ecosystem services. Keyword searches in academic databases resulted in 2337 records, of which 74 records met review criteria and were coded. We identify three clusters of digital agricultural technologies including those that make farm management more precise, increase connectivity, and create novel foods. We then examine modelling and empirical evidence gaps in research linking these technologies to ecosystem services. Finally, we overview barriers to implementing digital agricultural technologies for better ecosystem services management in the Canadian context including economic and political systems; lack of policies on data management, governance, and cybersecurity; and limited training and human resources that prevents producers from fully utilizing these technologies.

Details

ISSN :
23711671
Volume :
6
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
FACETS
Accession number :
edsair.doi...........31189d0652fc247ef7564d0511f631ff