Building up more sustainable food supply chains: Implications for sustainable development

Abstract

The global supply chain experienced unprecedented disruption due to the Covid-19 crisis in a dynamic world. Consequently, this situation has resulted in many businesses' discontinuity or closure due to disruptions that seriously affect the possibility of maintaining operations, especially micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in emerging markets. In this scenario, the food value chain is deeply concerned because of its vulnerability and importance to food security. Therefore, this study aims to examine the mechanism that enables businesses in the food value chain to overcome the challenging post-pandemic while rebuilding the foundation for long-term viability and sustainable development. Accordingly, this study examines the relationships between the responsible driving factors (towards the environment, society, and the economy) and the food value chain sustainability (FSCS) of MSMEs by exploiting the mediating role of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) in an emerging market. This study applies a quantitative research approach using primary data from a questionnaire-based survey. 568 valid responses were received from managers at senior and middle levels. In analysis, this study uses a smart PLS 3.3.2 version, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) technique, to analyze the structural relationships. The novelty of this study contributes beyond the extant body of knowledge of supply chain management (SCM) by providing a comprehensive approach to promoting FSCS by incorporating socially, environmentally, and economically responsible practices into SCM practices. In addition, this study contributes to broadening the concept of corporate social responsibility by broadening the perspective of sustainability by shifting the enterprise-based perspective to the food value chain-based perspective. Above all, this research provides a new approach to the food value chain in an emerging market that is inherently too challenging to afford the sustainability concept of the food value chain. In sum, the value of this study's contribution is significant to bridging the knowledge-practice gap by providing profound knowledge and an empirically proven framework for the mechanism boosting sustainability for MSMEs in the food value chain in emerging economies. Drawn upon the above highlights, the findings of this study may be of high interest to academics, business practitioners, and policy-makers.