Harvesting a sustainable future: An overview of smart agriculture's role in social, economic, and environmental sustainability

As climate change and population growth intensify, the agricultural sector's need for sustainable solutions is paramount. This paper presents an overview of smart agriculture, a strategy leveraging technology and data analytics, and its potential to advance sustainability socially, economically, and environmentally. Drawing on recent research, we examine the integration of smart technologies in agriculture, their impact on sustainability, and the architectural design and key factors influencing their adoption. We critically review the literature on the effectiveness of smart agriculture, illuminating how smart farming strategies can curb environmental harm, stimulate economic growth, and promote social inclusivity. We identify existing research gaps and propose directions for future investigation, emphasising the need for rigorous studies on implementation strategies and long-term impacts of smart agriculture on rural landscapes. Our comprehensive overview aims to engage and guide diverse stakeholders, enhancing understanding of sustainable agriculture practices and encouraging more sustainable farming implementations. This paper contributes to global efforts towards harvesting a sustainable future. •Climate change and population growth drive the need for sustainable solutions in agriculture.•Smart tech in agriculture lessens environmental impact and boosts economic and social inclusivity.•Existing literature reveals the effectiveness of smart agriculture in achieving sustainability goals.•Guides stakeholders towards more sustainable farming practices and contributes to global sustainability efforts.