Smart Farming in Sabah: Leveraging Technology for Sustainable Agricultural Transformation

Smart farming has emerged as a transformative approach to modern agriculture, integrating advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and precision agriculture to enhance productivity, sustainability, and resource efficiency. In Sabah, Malaysia, the agricultural sector faces persistent challenges including low technology adoption, limited infrastructure, and socio-economic constraints among smallholder farmers. This study explores how smart farming technologies can be leveraged to support sustainable agricultural transformation in Sabah. By synthesizing existing literature and credible online sources, the study identifies key barriers, opportunities, and strategies for implementation. The findings highlight that while smart farming holds significant potential to improve yields and environmental outcomes, its success depends on addressing digital literacy gaps, infrastructure limitations, and policy support. This research contributes to the growing discourse on digital agriculture by contextualizing global innovations within Sabah’s unique rural and socio-economic landscape.