DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.191430.1 ISSN: 2046-1402

Digital Transformation in Agri-Food Supply Chains for Adaptive Sustainable Growth among Latin American Firms: A Systematic Review, 2018–2025

Rony Rafael García-Apéstegui, Andy Gonzales-Villena, Pamela Estefani Morales-Balladares, José Anderson Gonzales-Marlo, Rosel Burga-Cabrera, Paulo César Cáceres-Iglesias, Rubén Iván Marchena-Chanduvi, Diana Marilú Sánchez-Alamo, Isaí Geremias Ruiz-Díaz, Brenda Cecilia Ramos-Zapata, Guido Alarcón-Villanueva, Ademir Gustavo Chalco-Cano, Yefferson Llonto-Caicedo, Rogger Orlando Morán-Santamaría, Ruth Huamani-Torres
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Background Digital transformation is reshaping agri-food supply chains through technologies designed to improve efficiency, traceability, sustainability, and resilience. However, the evidence remains fragmented, and Latin America continues to be underrepresented. Methods A systematic review complemented by bibliometric analysis was conducted using Scopus and Web of Science in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The search identified 2,553 records; after filtering, duplicate removal, and eligibility assessment, 85 studies were included in the systematic synthesis. Data were analyzed using Bibliometrix, VOSviewer, and Microsoft Excel. Results Scientific output increased steadily, particularly after 2021. Blockchain, the Internet of Things, big data, artificial intelligence, and precision agriculture were the most frequently studied technologies. The findings showed improvements in traceability, operational efficiency, resource management, resilience, and organizational capabilities. Nevertheless, persistent barriers included inadequate infrastructure, limited financing, poor interoperability, and gaps in digital skills. Latin America accounted for only a small share of the scientific literature. Conclusions Digital transformation can support the sustainable growth of agri-food firms when it is integrated with organizational capabilities, data governance, stakeholder collaboration, and inclusive technology policies. Further empirical evidence from Latin America is needed, together with models tailored to the characteristics of its firms and territories.

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