A qualitative synthesis of barriers to agriculture 4.0 adoption: evidence from a systematic literature review

Abstract The rapid emergence of Agriculture 4.0 technologies offers significant potential to enhance productivity, efficiency, and sustainability within modern farming systems. Despite their promise, adoption remains limited due to diverse and multifaceted challenges. This review aims to identify and synthesize the major barriers hindering the adoption of Agriculture 4.0 and smart farming technologies. A systematic review method was applied to empirical research sourced from Scopus and Web of Science, including 33 studies that met the defined eligibility criteria. Using a thematic analytical framework, barriers were classified into six core dimensions, viz., technological, economic, institutional, operational, cultural, and individual. The findings indicate persistent obstacles such as inadequate digital infrastructure, high investment and maintenance costs, limited institutional and policy support, low digital and functional literacy among farmers, incompatibility with existing farming operations, and sociocultural resistance to technological change. These constraints are interrelated and vary widely across regions, farm scales, and socio-economic groups. The review provides updated evidence that extends beyond earlier systematic or bibliometric studies by offering a more integrated, multi-dimensional perspective on adoption barriers. Implications emphasize the need for coordinated strategies that combine infrastructure development, supportive policies, capacity-building initiatives, and inclusive innovation models. The synthesis offers practical insights for policymakers, development organizations, and agritech stakeholders committed to fostering equitable and scalable transitions towards Agriculture 4.0.