Global Implications of Agri-Tech Adoption in Saudi Arabia: Analyzing Leadership, Psychological Barriers, and Precision Irrigation under Vision 2030

Abstract

This study examines Saudi Arabia’s agri-tech transformation under Vision 2030, with a focus on leadership dynamics, psychological adoption barriers, and technological innovations such as precision irrigation. As the Kingdom confronts water scarcity and climate volatility, it is advancing from traditional farming to smart agriculture through government-led strategies and institutional reforms. Utilizing a systematic literature review and policy analysis, this research assesses how leadership, behavioral readiness, and technological adaptation collectively shape Saudi Arabia’s sustainable agricultural agenda. The findings highlight the pivotal role of transformational leadership, particularly within ministries and extension services, in mobilizing adoption of agri-tech tools. Despite the rollout of smart irrigation systems and AI-based solutions, challenges persist, especially resistance to change, limited awareness, and behavioral inertia. These issues are further explained using TAM, UTAUT, and related psychological frameworks. Internationally, Saudi Arabia’s alignment with the SDGs, the Paris Agreement, and active participation in platforms such as FAO, ICARDA, and the G20 underscores its emerging role in agricultural diplomacy.In addition, the study identifies Saudi Arabia’s growing capacity to serve as a regional hub for knowledge transfer and sustainable innovation across the Global South. By drawing on international relations theories—such as soft power, interdependence, and global governance—the analysis positions Saudi agri-tech as both a domestic innovation strategy and a diplomatic tool with global resonance.