Precision Farming and Technology Adoption in Sweden

Abstract

Precision farming is revolutionizing agriculture by integrating technologies such as sensors, GPS, drones, and data analytics to optimize resource use, boost productivity, and enhance sustainability. In Sweden, a country grappling with rising agricultural costs, labor shortages, and strict environmental regulations, precision farming holds immense potential to modernize farming practices. Despite this, technological adoption in the agricultural sector remains inconsistent, particularly among smallholders who form a vital part of the agricultural landscape. These farmers face distinct challenges that hinder their ability to embrace precision farming, creating a digital divide between small- and large-scale operations. This thesis aims to investigate the barriers preventing smallholder farmers in Sweden from adopting precision farming technologies within the crop production sector. Additionally, it seeks to propose actionable strategies to overcome these obstacles, fostering greater technological inclusion. Utilizing a combination of primary and secondary data sources and two theoretical frameworks, Innovation Resistance Theory (IRT) and Diffusion of Innovation Theory (DOI), our study explores adoption dynamics across the crop production sector in Sweden. We identified several key barriers to precision farming adoption. Financial limitations, such as high upfront costs and uncertain returns, emerged as a dominant value barrier. Technical complexity and the lack of relevant skills posed significant usage barriers, while unreliable rural infrastructure and technology performance issues created risk barriers. Psychological resistance, particularly a preference for traditional practices among older farmers, further compounded these challenges. Conversely, larger farms aligned with early adopter profiles, while smallholders often fell into the late majority or laggard categories. Overcoming barriers to precision farming adoption among Swedish smallholder farmers requires a multifaceted approach to provide financial support, enhanced education, and improved rural infrastructure. Emerging trends, such as cost reductions in precision farming technologies and advancements in automation and artificial intelligence, present future opportunities, but their benefits must be made accessible to smallholders through targeted interventions. This study underscores the need for inclusive policies to ensure smallholder farmers are not excluded from Sweden’s transition to sustainable, technology-driven agriculture, ultimately strengthening the sector’s resilience and competitiveness.