Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence in Agrotechnology: A Systematic Literature Review on Sustainable Food Security and Inclusive Growth

Abstract

The combination of blockchain technology with artificial intelligence (AI) is an opportunity for advancement and a potential solution to pressing challenges in food security and equitable agricultural growth. Some studies demonstrate the specific applications of AI and blockchain technologies within the agricultural value chain, including precision farming, predictive analytics for crop yield, climate change, and supply chain analytics. This review aims to summarize existing research on the convergence of blockchain and AI in the agricultural value chain. Blockchain AI captures the strategic applicability of blockchain technology to enhance integrity, fairness, and trust in food distribution and supply networks, while AI augments decision-making through real-time analytics, smart, and automated pest and disease management. Synchronous application of the two technologies, Blockchain and AI, synergizes to eliminate inefficiencies, sustain low levels of post-harvest food loss, enhance sustainable post-harvest loss management, and align vertical and horizontal value chain integration. In addition, the synergistic adoption of the two technologies fosters inclusive growth by providing smallholder farmers with market access, digital finance, and equitable engagement in global supply chains. Although these are potential opportunities shown by the review, the barriers to access and digital infrastructure, high implementation costs, and governance in much of the global South still persist. This research sheds light on the prospects of achieving the SDGs, more precisely, the interlinked challenges of sustainable development that include zero hunger and responsible consumption. This review aims to bridge the gap in the existing literature and offers concrete recommendations for sustainable, technology-centric agrotechnology.