David Mhlanga
57218104204
Publications - 2
The role of industry 4.0 in global food security: A promising pathway to ending hunger
Publication Name: Smart Agricultural Technology
Publication Date: 2025-08-01
Volume: 11
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Ensuring global food security is a critical challenge that necessitates innovative solutions and advanced technologies. This study explores how the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0) technologies can transform global food security by enhancing availability, access, utilization, stability, agency, and sustainability. Technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), big data, blockchain, and robotics are detailed, highlighting their current applications in the food sector. Emphasizing Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger, the study examines how precision agriculture, smart farming, automated machinery, real-time monitoring, data analytics, and digitalization can improve food production, distribution, and quality, ultimately fostering food security. This comprehensive analysis offers strategic insights and policy recommendations for stakeholders to leverage these transformative technologies, ensuring a sustainable and secure food future for all.
Open Access: Yes
Industry 4.0 in olive farming and oil production: A comprehensive review of technologies and trends
Publication Name: Journal of Agriculture and Food Research
Publication Date: 2026-08-01
Volume: 30
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Olive farming and olive oil production is undergoing a significant transformation with the advent of Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) technologies, which are reshaping the agricultural and food processing industries by integrating automation and digitalization across the whole supply chain, from farm to fork. This manuscript explores the transformative impact of Industry 4.0 on the olive supply chain, focusing on its role in enhancing efficiency, quality, traceability, and sustainability in olive farming and oil production. A comprehensive review of current research and technological developments is conducted, examining key technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, smart sensors, the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, digital twins, and robotics. Their applications in farming, manufacturing, processing, and supply chain management are analyzed, revealing how Industry 4.0 optimizes every stage of the olive supply chain through improved automation, quality control, and environmental performance. The reviewed literature demonstrates that IoT-enabled monitoring systems, remote sensing technologies, AI-driven decision-support tools, and robotics significantly improve resource-use efficiency, crop monitoring, harvesting operations, and production management. Furthermore, blockchain and digital traceability platforms enhance transparency, product authentication, and consumer trust, while advanced data analytics support predictive maintenance, quality assurance, and process optimization. Collectively, these technologies contribute to reducing water, energy, and agrochemical inputs, thereby improving the environmental sustainability and resilience of olive production systems. Despite these benefits, challenges such as high implementation costs, technological complexity, and the need for specialized skills continue to limit widespread adoption. This study also discusses strategies to overcome these barriers, including policy support, financial incentives, and capacity-building programs. By addressing these issues and highlighting the potential of digital transformation, this work contributes to paving the way for a more innovative, sustainable, and resilient olive sector.
Open Access: Yes