Sustainable farmer productivity: insights from a global bibliometric review

Agricultural productivity is essential for ensuring global food security, yet maintaining productivity while preserving environmental and socio-economic sustainability remains a major challenge. Understanding research developments related to sustainable farmer productivity is therefore increasingly important. This study provides a novel bibliometric perspective on Sustainable Farmer Productivity by systematically analyzing research trends and knowledge gaps in the field. Unlike previous studies that focus on specific agricultural practices, this research employs a systematic literature review (SLR) and bibliometric analysis to uncover broader patterns, emerging themes, and underexplored areas. Data was collected from Scopus and Google Scholar using the keyword ‘sustainable farmer productivity’. Utilizing VOSviewer, this study maps the intellectual structure of the field, identifies influential works, and highlights key determinants affecting farmer productivity, including economic benefits, fertilizer use, farm scale, agricultural strategies, and overall productivity. The findings reveal significant research gaps, particularly in technology adoption, climate resilience, and socio-economic sustainability, suggesting directions for future studies. This research advances the methodological approach to agricultural sustainability studies by integrating quantitative bibliometric techniques with qualitative insights, offering a comprehensive framework for policymakers and researchers.