Inclusive Digital Agriculture for Smallholders: Pathways to Food Security in Indonesia

Abstract

This study examines how digital agriculture can empower smallholders and promote sustainable food security in Indonesia. Despite increasing interest in smart farming, adoption remains uneven due to infrastructural, institutional, and socio-cultural barriers. Using a conceptual qualitative approach and drawing on innovation systems theory, diffusion of innovations, and the capability approach, the research explores how digital tools influence farming practices, and what conditions shape their adoption. Findings reveal that while mobile applications and online platforms improve productivity and market access, their impact is mediated by digital literacy, trust, and infrastructure. The study highlights the importance of co-designed innovations, enabling institutions, and inclusive policy frameworks. It concludes that digital agriculture must be context-specific and participatory to support resilient and equitable food systems. The research offers new theoretical insights and practical strategies for integrating digital tools within Indonesia’s agricultural landscape.