Back to Search Start Over

Contested definitions of digital agri-food system transformation: A webpage and network analysis

Authors :
Alesandros Glaros
Eric Nost
Erin Nelson
Laurens Klerkx
Evan D. G. Fraser
Source :
International Journal of Food Design. 8:35-60
Publication Year :
2023
Publisher :
Intellect, 2023.

Abstract

This article explores how digital agri-food system transformations are framed and by whom. To answer these questions, we searched for webpages linked to Twitter and by Google that describe the role of emerging digital technologies in agri-food systems. From these, we characterize three framings of transformation. The first framing proposes that digital tools make farms optimally productive. A second framing emphasizes inequities in access to digital tools and increased farmer participation in tech development. A third framing highlights how technology creates more traceable agri-food systems. We then conducted a social network analysis of webpage authors, finding three network clusters. The largest centres on intergovernmental and international development organizations that typically promote the first and third framings. The second framing is mostly promoted by academic and civil society actors and was least common across webpages, suggesting that digital agriculture trajectories may overlook farmer autonomy and agency. Framings vary in the degree of transformation they promote and their consideration of smaller-scale farms’ needs. We suggest that digital agri-food system transformation efforts are more diverse than typically described in the literature. We recommend public and private actors work with academics and civil society organizations to enhance farmer inclusion in designing novel transformative approaches.

Details

ISSN :
20566530 and 20566522
Volume :
8
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
International Journal of Food Design
Accession number :
edsair.doi...........55fff07f637f916ee4185a5b29e6a411
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1386/ijfd_00050_1