Discovering sustainable finance models for smallholder farmers: a bibliometric approach to agricultural innovation adoption

Abstract

Abstract Smallholder farmers, crucial to global food security, face challenges in sustainable integration into agricultural innovation due to inherent flaws in existing finance models. This research addresses the conspicuous gap in comprehensive reviews on sustainable finance in agriculture through a bibliometric approach. Financial constraints, limited market access, and climate vulnerability plague smallholder farmers, hindering the long-term sustainability of current financial models. This study aims to systematically map the scholarly landscape of sustainable finance models for smallholder farmers, focusing on the adoption of agricultural innovations. A critical knowledge gap exists regarding bibliometric patterns and trends in the adoption of agricultural innovations by smallholder farmers. The study utilizes the RAPID framework for a streamlined and evidence-based bibliometric review, employing RStudio and the bibliometrix-package. The analysis aims to recognize, assess, purge, investigate, and document key themes and emerging patterns in the literature. Noteworthy trends from bibliometric reviews indicate a rise in bibliometric approaches, with VOSviewer as a prevalent tool. This research contributes methodologically by advocating for Scopus as the primary database. The study’s significance lies in informing policy, practice, and research initiatives supporting smallholder farmers. By revealing bibliometric patterns, this study aims to guide the design of innovative and context-specific financial instruments, fostering a more sustainable and inclusive agricultural landscape. In conclusion, this research endeavors to bridge the knowledge gap and provide novel insights at the intersection of sustainable finance and agricultural innovation adoption. The anticipated outcomes will inform the development of tailored financial models, advancing the resilience and productivity of smallholder farmers globally.

Keywords

• Agricultural innovation
• Bibliometric analysis
• Innovation adoption
• Smallholder farmers
• Sustainable finance