Software Engineering Strategies and Innovations to Address Agricultural Challenges in the Global South: A Case Study of Indonesia

Agriculture in the Global South, particularly in Indonesia, faces numerous challenges stemming from fragmented land ownership, aging farmer populations, and limited access to affordable technology. These obstacles hinder productivity and sustainability, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions. This paper explores the potential of software engineering to address these challenges through domain-specific applications and end-to-end integration in the agricultural supply chain. Using Indonesia as a case study, the research examines successful agri-tech solutions, such as IoT-based monitoring, AI-driven farm management systems, and tailored user experiences for smallholder farmers. The findings highlight the importance of collaboration between farmers, startups, policymakers, and private stakeholders to scale and sustain these innovations. By leveraging software engineering as a strategic enabler, this paper proposes a framework to enhance efficiency, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve the overall resilience of the agricultural sector. The results contribute to the discourse on technology adoption in resource-constrained settings, offering actionable insights for addressing systemic agricultural challenges across the Global South.