Small farms in developing countries: a review and shaping the future research agenda

Small farms play a major role in improving the business, economic, environmental, and social sustainability of developing countries. In this review, we use network mapping based analysis of 443 articles to identify key concepts within and areas for further research on small farms in developing countries. By mapping current research clusters, demonstrating their connections and making sense of the diverse research landscape, we offer a number of insights and identify opportunities ahead for scholars in the field. These centre on four key areas: a) the meaning of social sustainability for small farmers in relation to poverty alleviation and livelihood improvement; b) the potential of sustainable farming and ethical sourcing towards poverty alleviation; c) the role of cooperatives in poverty alleviation and their effective organisation towards this goal; and d) the role of emerging technologies and knowledge exchange.