In the heart of Turkey, a groundbreaking study is reshaping our understanding of smart agricultural technologies and their impact on rural communities. Led by Rukiye Gizem Öztaş Karlı of Bartın University’s Faculty of Engineering, Architecture, and Design, the research employs the SWARA (Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis) method to evaluate the effectiveness and sustainability of these technologies in smart villages. Published in the Journal of Agricultural Sciences, the findings offer a roadmap for the future of smart agriculture, with significant commercial implications for the sector.
The study identifies six main criteria for evaluating smart agricultural technologies: technological relevance, efficiency and performance, economic factors, environmental sustainability, social and user satisfaction, and political and governance factors. Among these, technological relevance emerged as the most significant criterion, with a weight of 0.267. “This underscores the importance of technologies that are not only innovative but also address the specific needs of the communities they serve,” explains Karlı.
The research also highlights the critical role of sub-criteria such as innovativeness, yield increase, and cost-effectiveness in driving the adoption of smart agricultural technologies. “By prioritizing these factors, we can ensure that the technologies we implement are not only sustainable but also commercially viable,” Karlı notes.
The commercial impacts of this research are substantial. By focusing on user-friendly and cost-effective technologies, the study recommends enhancing financial incentives and aligning policies with global sustainability goals such as SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). This approach can lead to increased productivity, improved profitability, and enhanced competitiveness for farmers and agribusinesses.
Moreover, the study emphasizes the importance of stakeholder collaboration and locally specific strategies. “We must ensure that the technologies we implement are tailored to the unique needs and challenges of each community,” Karlı stresses. This approach can foster a more inclusive and sustainable agricultural sector, with benefits for both producers and consumers.
The research also underscores the need for continuous adaptation of technologies to regional needs. This dynamic approach can drive innovation and ensure that the agricultural sector remains at the forefront of technological advancements.
As we look to the future, this study offers a valuable guide for policymakers, agribusinesses, and technology providers. By prioritizing technological relevance, efficiency, and sustainability, we can create a more resilient and prosperous agricultural sector. The findings of this research are a testament to the power of smart agricultural technologies and their potential to transform rural communities and the agriculture sector as a whole.