Introduction to Data Science in Agriculture and Natural Resource Management

This chapter delves into the burgeoning field of digital agriculture, a critical innovation at the intersection of data science and sustainable farming practices. It outlines the urgent need for digitalization to address global food demand while conserving natural resources. The chapter presents digital agriculture as an efficient, sustainable, and resilience-enhancing solution by exploring data science principles, enabling technologies, and the practical applications of digital tools. The concept of Sustainable Return on Investment (S-ROI) is central to the discussion, which evaluates the broader impact of digital innovations in agriculture. By integrating environmental and social considerations, S-ROI provides a comprehensive framework for assessing the actual value of digitalization in the agricultural sector. The chapter emphasizes the need for informed adoption of digital solutions, guided by ROI and S-ROI, to ensure the sector’s sustainability and economic viability.