Sustainable Agricultural Finance and Rural Economic Growth: A Systematic Literature Review

Sustainable agricultural finance has emerged as a critical instrument for promoting inclusive and resilient rural economic growth, particularly in developing economies where agriculture remains a primary livelihood source. This study aims to systematically review the existing literature on the role of sustainable agricultural finance in enhancing rural economic development. Using a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach guided by PRISMA protocols, this study analyzes peer-reviewed articles indexed in the Scopus database published between 2020 and 2025. Bibliometric analysis is conducted using VOSviewer to identify research trends, thematic clusters, and intellectual structures within the field. The findings reveal a significant increase in scholarly attention in recent years, driven by the integration of digital, green, and financial inclusion into agricultural systems. Key determinants identified include access to credit, digital financial infrastructure, institutional support, and farmers’ financial literacy. The study also highlights the mechanisms through which sustainable agricultural finance influences rural economic growth, including productivity enhancement, capital deepening, risk mitigation, and environmental sustainability. However, the literature remains fragmented, with a strong geographical concentration in specific regions such as China and limited representation from other developing areas. The study identifies critical research gaps, including the lack of integrated frameworks and insufficient longitudinal and comparative studies. This research contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive synthesis and proposing future research directions to strengthen the role of sustainable finance in achieving sustainable rural development. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, financial institutions, and researchers in designing effective and inclusive agricultural finance strategies.