Assessing the Constraints to and Drivers for the Adoption and Diffusion of Smart XG, Last-Mile Connectivity and Edge Computing Solutions in Agriculture: The Case of Digital Shepherds in Flanders, Belgium

Advanced generations of mobile network technologies (XG), last-mile connectivity and edge computing solutions can offer invaluable support for farmers and agribusinesses, fostering sustainable development, though unequal access to these digital technologies may lead to a digital divide. It remains, however, unclear to what extent and why farmers are (not) ready to adopt digital technology solutions in agricultural production systems. Hence, this study identifies and assesses the constraints on and drivers for the adoption and diffusion of smart XG, last-mile connectivity and edge computing solutions in agricultural production systems, using the Adoption and Diffusion Outcome Prediction Tool (ADOPT) in a stakeholder workshop setting. Results for the case of the ‘digital shepherd’ in Flanders (Belgium) show that there is substantial potential for its adoption (~40% of the target population) and diffusion (~15 years to peak adoption). To motivate farmers to adopt the ‘digital shepherd’, its profitability, environmental benefits and management convenience are pivotal; to accelerate adoption of the ‘digital shepherd’, its trialability and evaluability, as well as farmers’ skills and knowledge, are pivotal. Addressing these factors can significantly reduce the risk of a digital divide and, hence, allow policy makers to define corresponding strategies.