Perception and Adoption of Digital Technologies in Agriculture: Insights from the Fès-Meknès Region

In recent years, agriculture in the Fès-Meknès region, a key economic area of Morocco, has faced significant challenges, such as water scarcity, soil degradation, and limited adoption of modern technologies. Digital transformation is emerging as a crucial solution to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness in the sector. This study examines how agricultural actors perceive and adopt digital technologies and assesses their impact on farming practices and resource management.

The focus is on innovative technologies like remote sensing, crop monitoring sensors, smart irrigation systems, and drones, which optimize resource management, particularly water, while increasing agricultural yields. These tools offer substantial potential to meet the growing demand for sustainable farming in an environment with limited natural resources.

The methodology combines semi-structured interviews with farmers, technology innovators, and policymakers to explore their perceptions and the barriers to adopting digital tools. Quantitative surveys further assess adoption levels and identify challenges. Additionally, a comparative analysis between traditional farming methods and those using digital technologies is conducted to evaluate their impact on water savings and yields.

The results provide valuable insights into the dynamics of digital technology adoption in the Fès-Meknès region, highlighting key drivers for successful digital transformation in agriculture. By identifying both barriers and opportunities, the study offers practical recommendations for promoting broader adoption of these technologies, contributing to the modernization and sustainability of agriculture in the region.