Digitalization of Family Farming: Fundamentals and Issues for a Public Agenda for Rural Development

Abstract

The use of information and communication technologies -ICTs is a continuous and growing process, capable of modifying the dynamics of commercialization and social relations. Family farming is not alien to this phenomenon and is part of this process whether related to the commercialization or management of properties and enterprises. However, the transition to ICTs is complex and requires collective actions and State participation. This study aims to evaluate how the digitalization of family farming fits into the public agenda for sustainable rural development. A qualitative and exploratory approach was chosen, through a literature review on the insertion of family farming in the context of digitalization. The analysis results in important considerations, in particular, about the challenges that family farmers face in terms of access, use and appropriation, and on the other hand, the challenges of the public agenda of expanding infrastructure, designing programs and offering technical assistance to optimize the uses of ICT in this increasingly digital context.