Bouba Ismaila, John Beneke
Abstract
This study examines recent academic research on how digital technology and artificial
intelligence (AI) may empower farmers in developing nations. Based on more than 130 peerreviewed
publications from 2015 to 2025, the study investigates how agricultural practices
are changing due to blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), mobile-based advisory platforms,
and AI-driven decision support systems. The results show many chances to increase market
accessibility, resource efficiency, crop output, and climate resilience. However, ongoing
issues that cover everything from regional inequality and restricted data availability to digital
inequalities and infrastructure gaps, as well as gender parity, impede equitable adoption. In
addition, the analysis offers implementation and policy ideas that support digital agriculture
that is inclusive, locally relevant, and sustainable. It ends by outlining future research
directions to close regional gaps and strengthen the connection of AI innovation with food
security and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).