In the heart of Flanders, Belgium, a digital revolution is quietly unfolding, one that could reshape the future of agriculture and bridge the digital divide. At the forefront of this transformation is the ‘digital shepherd,’ a cutting-edge solution that leverages smart mobile network technologies, last-mile connectivity, and edge computing to revolutionize livestock farming. But how ready are farmers to embrace this technological leap, and what factors will drive or hinder its adoption? A groundbreaking study led by Max López-Maciel from the Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies at the University of Aveiro, Portugal, sheds light on these crucial questions, offering insights that could steer the future of agri-tech and the energy sector.
The digital shepherd is no ordinary tool. Equipped with real-time monitoring services, it allows farmers to observe their animals on pastures, capturing vital data on animal risk, health, and welfare. The system, which uses cameras installed at the pasture’s border and powered by edge computing and AI, can monitor the location and behavior of animals at both herd and individual levels. This not only enhances productivity and welfare but also reduces stress for farmers, who can receive targeted alerts and make data-driven decisions.
However, the path to widespread adoption is fraught with challenges. “The risk is that only the most wealthy or tech-savvy farmers will invest in the new technology,” warns López-Maciel. “This could lead to an increased digital divide and inequalities within the agricultural sector in Europe.” To mitigate this risk, López-Maciel and his team developed the Adoption and Diffusion Outcome Prediction Tool (ADOPT), a innovative framework designed to identify and assess the main constraints and drivers for the adoption and diffusion of smart technologies in agriculture.
The study, published in the journal Land, reveals that there is substantial potential for the adoption of the digital shepherd, with approximately 40% of the target population ready to embrace the technology. However, the journey to peak adoption could take around 15 years, highlighting the need for strategic interventions. The key drivers for adoption, according to the study, are economic, environmental, and management benefits. Farmers are more likely to adopt the digital shepherd if they perceive it to be profitable, environmentally beneficial, and convenient to manage.
But what about the diffusion of the technology? The study identifies trialability, evaluability, and the development of relevant skills and knowledge as pivotal factors. “To accelerate adoption, farmers need the opportunity to trial the technology and assess its effects,” explains López-Maciel. “Moreover, they need to develop the skills and knowledge required to effectively use and benefit from the digital shepherd.”
The implications of this research extend beyond the agricultural sector. The energy sector, which is increasingly reliant on digital technologies for monitoring and management, can draw valuable insights from this study. The adoption and diffusion of smart technologies in agriculture can serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives in the energy sector, helping to bridge the digital divide and foster sustainable development.
As we stand on the cusp of a digital revolution, the findings of this study offer a roadmap for the future. By understanding the factors that drive or hinder the adoption of smart technologies, policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators can work together to create a more inclusive and sustainable digital future. The digital shepherd is more than just a tool; it is a symbol of the transformative power of technology and the potential it holds to reshape our world. The study, published in the journal Land, provides a robust framework for understanding the adoption and diffusion dynamics of smart technologies in agricultural settings, highlighting the necessity of continuous support and clear communication regarding the benefits and practical implementation of such innovations.