Strategizing ecological sustainability in agricultural ecosystems: A systematic literature review on actor-specific practices and technologies

Environmental change presents escalating threats to food security and agricultural sustainability. Nevertheless, it remains ambiguous how firms—particularly farmers—respond strategically to these ecological challenges. Based on a systematic review of the literature, we examine: (1) the business strategies adopted within agricultural ecosystems to address challenges related to ecological sustainability, (2) the actors involved in implementing these strategies through specific practices, and (3) the technologies that facilitate these practices. We employ a mechanisms-based approach to analyze how these elements influence social interactions and resource utilization—natural, human, and technological—within agricultural ecosystems. Our findings reveal: (a) five business strategies implemented to address five specific challenges within agricultural ecosystems; (b) various actors operating interdependently at the micro, meso, and macro levels across each strategy to tackle these challenges; and (c) a combination of agricultural, mechanical, and digital technologies supporting actors’ specific practices within strategies aimed at addressing these challenges. By identifying the interdependencies among actors, practices, and technologies, we contributed to a more profound theoretical understanding of how agricultural ecosystems respond to ecological sustainability, particularly within rural contexts. • Ecological sustainability is key to transitions in agricultural systems' design. • A review of 105 studies reveals strategies for ecological sustainability in farming. • Actors and technologies align to link business goals with ecological responsibility. • Digitalization enables efficient, eco-friendly use of resources in agriculture.