Big Data in the Namibian Farming Sector: Applications, Evidence Gaps and Potential: A Structured Narrative Review
Phathutshedzo Makovhololo ORCID ↗
International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science · 2026 · Vol. 15 / Issue 6 · 124-135
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Abstract
Namibia’s farming sector faces recurrent drought, water scarcity and uneven access to agricultural services. This structured narrative review examines the relevance of Big Data to commercial and small-scale farming through the pathway from data collection to usable decisions. It draws on research and institutional reports on remote sensing, precision agriculture, analytics, advisory services and data governance. Search dates, executed queries, selection counts and source-level appraisal records remain unverified; systematic coverage is not claimed. The synthesis distinguishes Namibia-specific documentation, findings from African settings whose comparability requires assessment, and potential local uses inferred from international research. Namibian sources establish sector context but do not substantiate measured farming benefits attributable to Big Data. African literature informs adoption and access considerations, while international reviews describe technical applications and implementation requirements. Candidate uses include crop and pasture monitoring, irrigation support, livestock information, forecasting and drought preparedness. The review’s contribution is a Namibia-focused interpretation of where data-to-decision pathways may fail, particularly when farmers cannot afford or act on advice. Proposed responses identify advisory services, farmer organisations, public data custodians and technology providers as potential actors, subject to local validation, affordability and accountable governance. These are recommendations for testing, not demonstrated effects. Locally evaluated changes in decisions, resource use, productivity, resilience and income are needed before impact claims can be made.
Keywords: {'name': 'Big Data, Systematic Literature Review, Farming Sector, Namibia, Digital Agriculture, Decision-Making'}
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Phathutshedzo Makovhololo
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