Precision agriculture adoption research for arid and semi-arid regions in low- and middle-income countries
Research-driven insights into the socio-ecological factors that drive or hinder precision agriculture adoption in arid and semi-arid agroecological zones of low- and middle-income countries, supporting evidence-based policy design and improved water and yield outcomes.
Overview
This offering centres on applied research that investigates how farmers in arid and semi-arid agroecological zones (AEZ) in low- and middle-income countries adopt precision agriculture (PA) technologies. The work recognises that adoption behaviours are deeply context-specific and that better behavioural modelling can inform more effective policies and marketing strategies. By combining a systematic literature review with stakeholder surveys, in-field adoption experiments and analysis of data from technology developers, governments and NGOs, the research aims to identify the conditions under which PA succeeds or fails. The longer-term goal is to build and test socio-ecological models — initially focused on the MENA region — that can guide policy interventions to accelerate adoption, improve yields, conserve water and raise farmer incomes in climate-stressed regions.
Technical specifications
Research approach:
- Systematic review of PA adoption studies in arid and semi-arid AEZ across low- and middle-income countries
- Agent-based modelling to represent farmer decision-making and adoption dynamics
- In-field adoption experiments to capture real-world farmer behaviour
- Stakeholder surveys with farmers, technology developers, national governments and NGOs
- Analysis of existing PA adoption datasets from technology providers and public-sector programmes
- Socio-ecological system modelling, with an initial focus on the MENA region, to test policy scenarios
Key focus areas:
- Context-specific adoption drivers and barriers in water-scarce environments
- Coupled socio-ecological modelling linking farmer behaviour with water resource outcomes
- Policy and marketing interventions designed to increase sustainable PA uptake
Technology readiness level
The work is at an early research stage. The next step is a systematic review and stakeholder engagement to establish the evidence base and modelling assumptions. Findings will inform subsequent socio-ecological modelling and policy testing, providing a foundation for future pilot studies and applied collaborations with development organisations, technology providers and government agencies.
About University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is a comprehensive, research‑intensive public university in Scotland’s capital. Industry engages through co‑located facilities and innovation hubs that bring companies into the university ecosystem, including the Bayes Centre for data and AI and the Usher Institute at the Edinburgh BioQuarter. Integration with NHS Lothian at BioQuarter places hospital care, clinics and university research on a single site to speed clinical studies and translation. Research is supported by competitive UK government funding via UKRI and Innovate UK, alongside major charitable funders such as Wellcome. A dedicated technology transfer company, Edinburgh Innovations, streamlines access to expertise, IP management, licensing and venture creation.
delivered to your inbox.