Analysis of challenges inhibiting the reduction of waste in food supply chain

Abstract

The main objective of this paper is to identify and analyse the effectiveness of challenges inhibiting the reduction of waste in Indian agri-food supply chain (AFSC). The reduction of food waste impacts positively all three dimensions of sustainability (economic, social, and environmental). Thirty-three challenges inhibiting reduction of waste in AFSC are identified by a review of the literature and a consultation with experts in the Indian food industry and academia. These challenges are grouped using Exploratory Factor Analysis into a super-set of nine challenges. The inter-relationship and respective dominance among these nine challenges is then determined using Interpretive Structural Modelling and MICMAC analysis. The group of independent challenges (food characteristics, supply chain uncertainty, market infrastructure, and food policy and regulation) have higher driving power and low dependency, and require maximum attention. These four challenges constrain decisions at the three-decision-making echelon (strategic, tactical, and operational) and each of the supply-chain echelons. The group of dependent challenges (supply chain partnerships, operational capability, and supply chain networks) have high dependence and low driving power and are resultant effects. The challenge, information technology, with high driving and dependence power, is a linkage variable. It acts as an enabler of dependent variables, and it mitigates the complexities due to food characteristics and uncertainty. The challenge, consumer behaviour, with low driving and dependence power, is an autonomous variable. It has little influence on waste reduction in Indian AFSC. This study highlights the importance of conducting region-specific study of supply chains and promotes sustainable practice.