Digital Transformation in Agriculture: Mapping Technological Adoption Through SDG Alignment

Digitalization is transforming agriculture, improving productivity and resource efficiency. However, the extent to which digital technologies contribute to broader sustainability objectives remains uneven. This study examines the intersection of digitalization and sustainability in agriculture through the lens of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), using empirical data from the FAO AgriTech Observatory. The findings reveal a strong concentration of digital initiatives aligned to economic and productivity-oriented SDGs (SDG 9 and 12), while environmental (SDG 14 and 15) and social goals (SDG 5) remain significantly underrepresented. This pattern suggests that digital transformation in agriculture primarily follows market-driven priorities, favoring efficiency and competitiveness over a more holistic approach to sustainability. Web-based platforms, mobile applications, and AI are widely adopted, whereas technologies with potential for governance and environmental monitoring—such as GIS, remote sensing, and blockchain—are less integrated. Gender-responsive solutions remain scarce, raising concerns about digitalization reinforcing existing inequalities rather than addressing them. While digital tools can support sustainability, their impact depends on enabling policies, infrastructure, and targeted investments. Bridging these gaps requires a strategic shift in AgriTech development, ensuring innovation extends beyond productivity gains to support climate resilience, social inclusion, and governance. Aligning digitalization with sustainability-driven priorities will be key to fostering a more equitable and resilient agrifood system.