Financial Inclusion for Agriculture and Rural Communities: A Bibliometric Analysis and Future Directions

Despite the growing importance of financial inclusion for agricultural and rural development, the literature lacks a dedicated bibliometric synthesis of research in rural and agricultural contexts. Addressing this gap, this study provides a comprehensive bibliometric mapping of financial inclusion research in agriculture and rural areas. Using a PRISMA protocol for article identification and screening, we analyzed 197 Scopus-indexed articles (2000–2025) with VOSviewer through keyword co-occurrence analysis and thematic clustering. This approach enables us to map the field’s intellectual structure, identify five major research themes, and trace its evolution from a focus on traditional financial access to broader concerns with digital finance, entrepreneurship, gender equality, and sustainable rural development. Its main contribution lies in mapping the intellectual structure and evolution of financial inclusion in agriculture and rural areas, while identifying key research gaps and a future research agenda. Drawing on the thematic clusters identified in the bibliometric analysis, the study highlights policy priorities for improving the quality and effective use of financial services, developing context-specific financial products for agriculture and rural populations, investing in digital and institutional infrastructure, and promoting gender-responsive financial inclusion.