10th International Congress on Information and Communication Technology

Authors - Fisiwe Hlophe, Sara Saartjie Grobbelaar
Abstract - By adhering to a systematic design approach informed by scientific and engineering principles, Advanced Frugal Innovations yield products that optimize resource utilization, enhancing environmental sustainability and achieving significant cost savings. Following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) framework, this article presents a scoping review that explores the landscape of AFIs in agriculture in developing countries. The Bibliometrix software package was used to facilitate the analysis of the bibliometric data included in this study. This study discovered that AFIs are based on advanced engineering techniques facilitated by research and development and rigorous design. This allows them to be suitable for mass production and have a wide range of novelty. The significant cost savings allow AFIs to be competitive in all markets, not exclusive to lower-income markets. This study discovered that factors such as a suitable innovation ecosystem, user-centered design, availability of highly skilled labor, and technology development enable the generation and development of AFIs. In contrast, skills shortage, lack of cohesion, funding issues, regulatory issues, and market access are some of the hindrances to the development of AFIs. We propose a research agenda for a better understanding of the requirements for setting up innovation ecosystems in the agricultural context that will drive the development and wide adoption of AFIs.