Challenges and Opportunities in the Adoption of Automation Technologies in Small-Scale Agriculture

A Path Toward Sustainability

Authors

  • Vinicius Cristóvão da Silva Barbosa Federal University of Tocantins
  • Jadiel Caparrós da Silva Federal University of Tocantins https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9099-674X
  • Kathy Camila Cardozo Osinski Senhorini Federal University of Tocantins https://orcid.org/0009-0001-8838-1009
  • Stefani Carolline Leal de Freitas Federal University of Tocantins

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20873/uft.2675-3588.2025.v6n1.p1-8

Keywords:

Agricultural Automation, Small-Scale Agriculture, Precision Technology, Sustainability, Technological Innovation, Technical Training

Abstract

This article explores the critical challenges and opportunities faced by small-scale farmers in adopting automation technologies in their agricultural operations. Automation has the potential to optimize resource usage, reduce operational costs, and streamline tasks that traditionally rely on manual labor. Despite the clear benefits, small farmers encounter a range of barriers, including financial constraints, limited access to advanced technology, and the need for technical expertise. However, these challenges can be addressed through means economically viable and scalable, tailored to the unique needs of small-scale agriculture. The role of engineers is pivotal in this process, as they develop innovative solutions such as integrating sensors for real-time monitoring or employing precision agriculture techniques with drones. By identifying and implementing appropriate technologies, small-scale farmers can enhance productivity, sustainability, and their participation in competitive markets.

Author Biographies

Vinicius Cristóvão da Silva Barbosa, Federal University of Tocantins

Student at the Federal University of Tocantins in the Electrical Engineering program, Biotechnology Technician from the Federal Institute of Tocantins, and participant in the Electrical Engineering Tutorial Education Program at UFT

Jadiel Caparrós da Silva, Federal University of Tocantins

Dr. Jadiel holds a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (2007) from the University of Marília, a Master's degree (2010) and a Ph.D. (2015) in Electrical Engineering from the São Paulo State University Júlio de Mesquita Filho - UNESP - Faculty of Engineering of Ilha Solteira. He completed a Ph.D. internship at the University of Coimbra, Portugal (2013). He holds his first Postdoctoral degree from the University of São Paulo, USP, São Carlos Campus, Brazil (2020), and his second Postdoctoral degree from the University of Castilla-La Mancha, UCLM, Ciudad Real Campus, Spain (2021). Currently, he is an Adjunct Professor IV in Electrical Engineering at the Federal University of Tocantins - UFT - Palmas Campus. His main research areas focus on the following topics: Power Systems Planning, Distribution Systems, Artificial Intelligence, and Power Quality.

Kathy Camila Cardozo Osinski Senhorini, Federal University of Tocantins

Aqui está a tradução para o inglês:

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She holds a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from the School of Engineering of Lins (1985), a Specialization in Software Management and Development (1995), a degree in Occupational Safety Engineering (2001), a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering from EESC-USP (2004), and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from PUC Rio de Janeiro (2012). She has experience in the fields of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, with an emphasis on Computational Simulation, Electromagnetic Theory, Microwaves, Wave Propagation, and Antennas, working mainly in the following areas: computational simulation, VHDL, FPGA, and computer architecture. She worked for 15 years in private companies and public institutions developing commercial and specific systems across various areas. Currently, she is an Associate Professor at the Federal University of Tocantins, responsible for the courses on Guided Wave Theory and Digital Circuits in the Electrical Engineering program, and since 2016, she has been the tutor of the PET - Electrical Engineering group. She started at UFT in 2004 in the Computer Science program, where she remained until 2009. She participated in the creation of the Electrical Engineering program under the REUNI initiative and transitioned to it in 2009, where she served as the program coordinator from 2011 to 2013.

Stefani Carolline Leal de Freitas, Federal University of Tocantins

Electrical cal Engineer from the State University of Minas Gerais - Campus of the Educational Foundation of Ituiutaba (2008). She holds a Master's degree (2011) and a Ph.D. (2014) in Electrical Engineering from São Paulo State University Júlio de Mesquita Filho - UNESP - Faculty of Engineering of Ilha Solteira. She completed a Ph.D. internship at the University of Minho, Portugal (2012). She is a professor in the Bachelor's degree program in Electrical Engineering at the Federal University of Tocantins - UFT - Palmas Campus. Her activities consist of research related to the implementation of harmonic suppressors, energy conversion, and the design of transmission lines and power distribution networks.

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Published

2024-12-02

How to Cite

[1]
Da Silva Barbosa, V.C. et al. 2024. Challenges and Opportunities in the Adoption of Automation Technologies in Small-Scale Agriculture: A Path Toward Sustainability. Academic Journal on Computing, Engineering and Applied Mathematics. 6, 1 (Dec. 2024), 1–8. DOI:https://doi.org/10.20873/uft.2675-3588.2025.v6n1.p1-8.

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 1 (2025)

Section

Research Papers

Categories

License

Copyright (c) 2024 Vinicius Cristóvão da Silva Barbosa, Jadiel Caparrós da Silva, Kathy Camila Cardozo Osinski Senhorini, Stefani Carolline Leal de Freitas

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