In the heart of Bangladesh, a nation grappling with the dual challenges of rapid population growth and limited resources, a groundbreaking study led by Md. Zahidul Anam, a researcher at the Department of Operations and Supply Chain Management, American International University-Bangladesh, is shedding new light on the path to sustainable agriculture. The study, published in the journal ‘Green Technologies and Sustainability’ (Zelena tehnologija i održivost), delves into the intricate web of digital transformation (DT) in the agricultural sector, offering a roadmap for emerging economies to bolster food security and environmental sustainability.
Anam and his team identified 19 key drivers of DT in agricultural production, using a sophisticated multi-criteria decision-making approach that combines Fermatean fuzzy sets with the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) technique. This method allowed them to not only pinpoint the most influential factors but also to explore the complex interrelations among them. “Our findings underscore the critical role of regulatory commitment and resource optimization in driving digital transformation,” Anam explains. “These drivers are not just about adopting new technologies; they’re about creating an ecosystem that supports sustainable growth.”
The study reveals that ‘commitment from regulatory bodies’ is the most impactful causal factor, with a causal weight of 1.848. This finding underscores the pivotal role that government policies and regulations play in fostering digital innovation in agriculture. “Regulatory bodies can set the stage for digital transformation by providing clear guidelines, incentives, and support for technology adoption,” Anam notes. “This is particularly crucial in emerging economies where resources and infrastructure are often constrained.”
Other influential drivers include ‘maximizing the use of dwindling resources’, ‘fostering rural development’, and ‘the need for safe food’. These factors highlight the multifaceted nature of agricultural sustainability, encompassing not just technological advancements but also social and environmental considerations. “Digital transformation in agriculture is not a one-size-fits-all solution,” Anam emphasizes. “It requires a holistic approach that addresses the unique challenges and opportunities of each region.”
The implications of this research extend far beyond Bangladesh. As emerging economies worldwide grapple with the challenges of feeding growing populations while minimizing environmental impact, the insights from this study offer a valuable blueprint for strategic decision-making. Policymakers and industry managers can use these findings to prioritize investments, develop targeted policies, and foster an ecosystem that supports sustainable agricultural transformation.
The study’s holistic perspective and innovative methodological approach set a new standard for research in this field. By integrating Fermatean fuzzy sets with the DEMATEL technique, Anam and his team have provided a robust framework for analyzing complex systems. This approach could be applied to other sectors, offering new insights into the drivers of digital transformation and sustainability.
As the world continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, geopolitical instabilities, and global health crises, the need for resilient and sustainable agricultural systems has never been more pressing. This research, with its focus on emerging economies, offers a beacon of hope, demonstrating how digital transformation can be harnessed to create a more secure and sustainable future for all.