Sustainable Agri-food Systems Research Articles

Determinants of farmers’ willingness to pay for irrigation improvements in Northcentral Ethiopia

Investing in agricultural water management by improving irrigation schemes helps to establish climate-resilient and sustainable agri-food systems, thus contributing to sustainable poverty reduction. The purpose of this study was to identify the determinants of farmers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for irrigation water improvements in Northcentral Ethiopia. Primary data collected from a random sample of 132 households were analyzed using the double-bounded contingent valuation method and binary logit regression model to identify what determines farmers’ WTP for irrigation improvement. The findings show that farmers’ mean WTP for irrigation water improvements is 141.60 Birr/ha/year (2.50 USD/ha/year). The results of bivariate Probit model revealed that crop type, education, relative location to the irrigation scheme, irrigated plot size, and perceived drought risk statistically and positively determine farmers’ WTP for irrigation water improvement. These findings offer valuable policy implications on how best to guide practical agricaltural water management. Policy interventions aimed at enhancing farmers' behavior, awareness, and perception of drought-related issues, while also promoting cash crop production, are likely to drive more farmers towards a positive WTP for irrigation water improvement.

Agroecology: A Promising Path Towards the Sustainable Transition of Food Systems

Objective: Uncover the transformative potential of agroecology in shaping sustainable food systems, with a particular focus on its pivotal role in transitioning from conventional systems to sustainable practices rooted in agroecological principles. Theoretical Framework: The current scenario presents alternatives to industrial agriculture, which prioritizes mass food production for global markets. In this context, agroecology emerges as a beacon of hope, championing short marketing circuits, fair trade, and a deep respect for local culture and the environment. The sharing of agroecological experiences, particularly in the context of family farming, offers a promising path toward agricultural systems that diverge from the traditional industrial model. Method: The systematic review used scientific articles published between 2011 and 2023, selected from the Web of Science and ScienceDirect databases. Results and Discussion: Agroecological production systems present themselves as a viable alternative to industrial agriculture, demonstrating that agroecological principles have the potential to promote healthier and more sustainable agri-food systems. Family farming plays a crucial role in this context, meeting the goals of agroecology. Research Implications: It highlights the promising role of agroecology in promoting family farming by achieving sustainable food production and supporting the demand for healthier foods. Originality/Value: This paper contributes to understanding the relationship between agroecology and agri-food systems, providing insights into agroecological practices, including sustainability in food production.

Niche–Regime Interactions of Organic Model Farmers in Bavaria, Germany: Linking Activities of Individual Farmers

Organic farming is seen as a promising alternative in the transition to more sustainable agri-food systems. Within the multi-level perspective (MLP) framework for such transitions, the linkage between the innovative niche and the dominant regime is considered crucial. We explore the linkage activities of individual organic model farmers through farm webs that were created based on semi-structured interviews. As the agri-food transition’s designated executing actors, individual organic model farmers must be understood as change agents. This research shows that these model farmers show high levels of linking activities, but each engages in a variety of linkages that are put together individually. This research reveals the reasons for choosing specific linkages, revealing the varying potential impacts of organic model farmers and their relevance in the transition process, and emphasizes the need for tailored policies that support farmers in adopting sustainable farming practices.

Promoting sustainable agri-food systems through sustainability and responsible marketing: The case of peruvian companies at international trade shows

For companies in the agri-food sector, sustainability marketing represents a strategic tool, insofar as it enables companies to achieve sustainability in their production and commercial processes, while, at the same time, exerting a fundamental influence on their reputation. This study raises the following research questions: How do agri-food exporting companies view sustainability marketing and its practical application? To which aspects of their sustainable marketing system do such companies attach greater or lesser importance? Using a constructive research approach, a study was carried out by conducting interviews with experts in the sector, as well as with managers from agrifood export companies. On the basis of such interviews, an analytical framework as well as an accessible management tool comprising 17 variables (grouped into 6 sets) are proposed to support the management of sustainability marketing by companies in the agri-food sector. The results indicate that companies prioritized strategies linked to the certification of their production systems and their quality, as well as logistical capacity, environmental certifications, and commitment to climate change and fairtrade principles. Among the aspects they attach less importance, the ones related to distribution systems stand out. These results serve as a basis to support the managers of agri-food exporting companies in developing more sustainable agri-food systems through the appropriate and comprehensive use of sustainability marketing. A recommendation further arises for companies to align their sustainability marketing strategies with their market positioning, in order to support both their reputation and their competitive advantages.

TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

<p><strong>Background:</strong> A large part of the society as well as the scientists and actors in the field of agricultural and food systems consider that a profound transformation is necessary to reach more sustainable systems of production. This position is new and requires deep changes for this transformation. <strong>Objective:</strong> Our objective here is to share with the readers the possible potential new approaches to transform our agri-food systems towards more sustainability. <strong>Methodology:</strong> Traditionally, sustainability is assessed via three main dimensions: economic, environmental and social. This is what we consider here. <strong>Results:</strong> In agri-food systems, it is possible to identify each one of these dimensions, from the producer to the final consumer, and to identify elements to improve their sustainability. A simultaneous approach to all three dimensions is essential. A few examples from unsustainable crop and livestock production systems make it possible to approach the attitude to adopt, then to identify the paths of progress and concretize these approaches <strong>Implications:</strong> The above transformations will not occur spontaneously but will be a long and difficult process which will require profound modifications in the ways of thinking, especially in young actors. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> It is urgent to develop sustainable agri-food systems and essential to develop holistic approaches using simultaneously all the levers at our disposal, rather than using them separately. In intertropical areas, if there is water available, it is probably possible to develop truly new systems through ecological intensification. Industrialized countries should also develop a capacity for innovation that challenges their current monospecific systems, by reassociating crop and animal production</p>

Sustainability of European agri-food supply chain using MRP-PCI multicriteria analysis method

The need for a more sustainable agri-food system is a topic that has attracted growing interest in recent years. Several international and European policies such as Agenda 2030 and the European Green Deal have been defined with the aim of making agri-food systems more sustainable at all stages of the supply chain, from production to consumption. Particularly, the European Union concentrates several policies on it. Therefore, the assessment of the level of sustainability among the states of the European Union is a key aspect to properly address and evaluate the implementation of these policies. The objective of this paper is to measure the sustainability of the global agri-food supply chain (AFSC) of the European Union countries through the application of a multi-criteria analysis. In particular, the method used is the Multiple Reference Point Partially Compensatory Indicator, which allows the creation of composite indicators using different levels of compensation across them. A set of 50 indicators, referred to 2011 and 2019, were built and then divided into the three basic dimensions of sustainability (economic, social and environmental), aggregated into the four main AFSC sectors (agriculture, food industry, distribution, and consumption) in order to obtain an overall sustainability index. Through such an index we provided a sustainability ranking for the EU countries, while the analysis of dimensions of each sector contributed to increase the knowledge about the supply chain that can be used by decision-makers. According to the results, Italy achieved the best level of sustainability of the AFSC with a value of 48.53, followed by Sweden, Austria, Spain, France, Germany, the Czech Republic, Portugal and Slovakia. In relation to the different sectors, the biggest problems were observed in the consumption sector, where most countries did not perform well, especially for the social dimension (e.g. excess of overweight and obese persons). In contrast, the performance of the agricultural sector was good, with few exceptions, showing a fair state of sustainability.

Perspectives on sustainable food production system: Characteristics and green technologies

Sustainable food production covers a wide range of perspectives and embraces issues relating to environment, economy and society. Sustainability of food production systems faces challenges ranging from environmental degradation, resource competition to elevated food demands and integration of agriculture into the global economy. Considering its far-reaching socio-economic implications, this review first provides an overview of key characteristics that distinguish sustainable food production from conventional agricultural practices. In addition, emerging green technologies in promoting sustainable food production are summarized. Among those modern techniques, urban agriculture, next-generation plant-based foods and food nanotechnology are discussed in detail. Finally, futuristic solutions and research work are proposed to provide guidance for designing sustainable Agri-Food system.

EVALUAREA FEZABILITĂȚII POTENȚIALULUI BIOECONOMIEI ÎN SECTORUL HORTICOL: PROGRESE, PROVOCĂRI ȘI OPORTUNITĂȚI

One of the major challenges of the sustainable agri-food system around the world is the prevention of losses and waste along the value chains. As global demand for food, feed and fuel is rising there is a need for innovative strategies to improve resource efficiency in food production. Bioeconomic approaches focus on developing processes that exploit underutilized by-products from agricultural and horticultural food production. The horticultural sector is all the more affected because fresh produce in this sector is highly perishable and also contains inedible parts. In this sense, in order to evaluate the feasibility of the bioeconomy's potential to meet these problems, the present study will present a bibliometric analysis of research for the superior processing of waste and horticultural by-products with practical applications such as the bioremediation of pollutants, the production of renewable energy, bioactive compounds, biofertilizers.

Examining proximity factors in public-private collaboration models for sustainable agri-food system transformation: a comparative study of two rural communities

Collaboration among local actors is considered an important precondition for a sustainable transformation of the regional agri-food system. To date, however, little is known about the social innovation capacity of local farmers when it comes to the establishment of alternative food networks. This is especially true for farmers’ collaborations with local government officials, which are becoming increasingly important in establishing sustainability-oriented markets for local products and services, especially in the agricultural sector that is often rooted in rigid logics, supply chains and institutions. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the concept of proximity as an analytical lens to understand private-public collaboration models that aim at facilitating sustainable transformation in rural areas. Drawing on concepts from innovation geography, this paper considers the influence of geographic, cognitive, institutional, organizational and social determinants of collaboration, enabling an evaluation of the social innovation capacity of local private and public actors. This theoretical approach helps to disassemble and differentiate social innovation processes to determine success strategies. The paper studies two rural communities where mayors aim to establish local food stores with regional products and, therefore, seek collaboration with local farmers. While the empirical aspect of the study is limited, the two cases provide an opportunity to test the theoretical framework. The proximity approach can be significant for regional agri-food system transformation and steering social innovation processes by considering the distinct capacities of actors. Our conclusion is that the examination of the absence and degree of proximity facilitates a better understanding of practical recommendations to promote agri-food system transformation.

Where women in agri-food systems are at highest climate risk: a methodology for mapping climate–agriculture–gender inequality hotspots

Climate change poses a greater threat for more exposed and vulnerable countries, communities and social groups. People whose livelihood depends on the agriculture and food sector, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), face significant risk. In contexts with gendered roles in agri-food systems or where structural constraints to gender equality underlie unequal access to resources and services and constrain women’s agency, local climate hazards and stressors, such as droughts, floods, or shortened crop-growing seasons, tend to negatively affect women more than men and women’s adaptive capacities tend to be more restrained than men’s. Transformation toward just and sustainable agri-food systems in the face of climate change will not only depend on reducing but also on averting aggravated gender inequality in agri-food systems. In this paper, we developed and applied an accessible and versatile methodology to identify and map localities where climate change poses high risk especially for women in agri-food systems because of gendered exposure and vulnerability. We label these localities climate-agriculture-gender inequality hotspots. Applying our methodology to LMICs reveals that the countries at highest risk are majorly situated in Africa and Asia. Applying our methodology for agricultural activity-specific hotspot subnational areas to four focus countries, Mali, Zambia, Pakistan and Bangladesh, for instance, identifies a cluster of districts in Dhaka and Mymensingh divisions in Bangladesh as a hotspot for rice. The relevance and urgency of identifying localities where climate change hits agri-food systems hardest and is likely to negatively affect population groups or sectors that are particularly vulnerable is increasingly acknowledged in the literature and, in the spirit of leaving no one behind, in climate and development policy arenas. Hotspot maps can guide the allocation of scarce resources to most-at-risk populations. The climate-agriculture-gender inequality hotspot maps show where women involved in agri-food systems are at high climate risk while signaling that reducing this risk requires addressing the structural barriers to gender equality.

A conceptual framework linking ecosystem services, socio-ecological systems and socio-technical systems to understand the relational and spatial dynamics of the reduction of pesticide use in agrifood systems

CONTEXTReducing pesticide use is a challenging issue in the construction of sustainable agrifood systems. It requires innovations of various kinds at different scales. Reaching the objective of reduced pesticide use means that the different stakeholders which compose agrifood systems have to coordinate their actions in order to innovate. Dealing with the transformation process in agrifood systems therefore focuses attention on the context of the interactions between stakeholders. OBJECTIVEThis article sheds light on the dynamics and modes of interaction between stakeholders in order to help us to understand how agrifood systems may evolve in the context of agroecological transitions. Agrifood systems connect human and non-human dynamics from which production, processing, distribution and regulation activities emerge. Agrifood systems are therefore networks of stakeholders linked to agroecosystems and embedded in complex ecological, economic and social processes.We argue that the territorial scale is particularly relevant in describing the relational and spatial dynamics in agrifood systems and for understanding the diverse initiatives that emerge from stakeholders. This article therefore aims to provide a deeper understanding of the inter-relationship between the dynamics of stakeholders and the dynamics of ecosystems in agroecological transitions, and more specifically in the perspective of reduced pesticide use. METHODSSurveying the literature, we identified and compared three key frameworks that handle ecological and social issues, and help formalise the capacity for action to promote sustainable systems. The three approaches refer to (i) ecosystem services, (ii) socio-ecological systems and (iii) socio-technical systems. Each approach offers a partial analysis for unravelling specific scales of actions and fails to fully scrutinise the spatiality and temporality of stakeholder interventions. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSFrom these three approaches, we developed an integrative conceptual framework that relies on systemic, multi-stakeholder and multi-scale reasoning. The suggested approach grasps agrotechnical and socioeconomic concerns, links micro, macro and mesoeconomic levels, and enables a relational and spatial analysis of the dynamics of the ecologisation of agroecosystems to reduce pesticide use. SIGNIFICANCEBy identifying stakeholders and their roles in conceiving and implementing innovations, the suggested framework helps to understand the current sociotechnical lock-ins in agrifood systems and how such systems could be unlocked by coupling innovations implemented at different levels of agrifood systems. This means our approach should be useful in reinforcing capacity building and providing the support needed to improve transition processes.

Heterogeneity of inter-organizational collaborations in agrifood chain sustainability-oriented innovations

CONTEXTSustainability-Oriented Innovation (SOI) is recognized as a way to address agrifood system sustainability challenges. Because of its complexity, SOI requires inter-organizational collaboration between actors within and around value chains. Since farming practices account for a large part of the environmental impact of food products, farmer involvement in SOI processes is key. However, there is a lack of evidence on the degree of farmer engagement in inter-organizational collaboration, as well as the diversity of partners involved. Moreover, our understanding of the heterogeneity of collaboration in relation to the sustainability dimensions of the innovation SOI processes is limited. OBJECTIVEThe objectives of our research are twofold. First, to propose a novel conceptualization of SOI, converging the sustainability specificities of the innovation process and the characteristics of the collaboration supporting the innovation process. Second, to unpack heterogeneous forms of collaboration in SOI with attention to farmer engagement in these forms. METHODSWe developed the SOI framework and analyzed SOI processes in the fruit and vegetable sector across Europe. A multiple correspondence statistical analysis was carried out based on data from more than one hundred value chains that have implemented a SOI process. A hierarchical clustering analysis was performed to reveal patterns of collaboration in SOI. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSThe results show different patterns of collaborative SOI in European fruit and vegetable chains. The SOI differ as regards to three specific dimensions: the diversity, the direction, and the distribution; and they rely on various collaboration forms. Seven clusters are analyzed and discussed, with specific attention to the farmer engagement in the collaboration forms. We differentiated between 1) Intermediary-led farm & food innovation with farmer collaboration; 2) Intermediary-led short food supply chain innovation with farmer collaboration; 3) Processor-led green food product innovation without farmer collaboration; 4) Farmer-led sustainable agricultural practices innovation with a collaborative network; 5) Farmer-led coupled innovation with downstream integration; 6) value chain actor-led coupled innovation with farmer collaboration; 7) Retailer-led distribution innovation without farmer collaboration. The relationship between diverse collaboration forms and SOI dimensions is discussed. SIGNIFICANCERevealing the heterogeneity of collaboration forms in SOI processes is important for developing sound policies. Given the significant role of farmers in sustainable agrifood system transitions, this paper reveals various levels of farmer engagement in collaborative SOI processes in value chains. Results have implications for mission-oriented policies since they allow a more precise and targeted approach to agrifood chains within the broader agrifood system transformation.

Circular economy and sustainable agri-food systems

In recent times, scientists and economic policy authorities have been promoting viable solutions to address global emergencies related to human-caused climate change. In particular, there is a growing demand for renewable energy sources, technological innovation and energy-saving systems, and ecological and environmental sustainability of natural resources and the territory. At the center of this global effort, an increasingly significant role seems to be destined for the agricultural sector and agro-energy production systems due to the potential benefits in terms of production costs. However, the interest in non-conventional and low-impact energy sources requires an in-depth investigation not only of the advantages, in terms of availability and economic efficiency, but also of the impact on the environment and the quality of the landscape, as well as on the aspects of the overall intervention that must be adopted to allow the supply of agricultural products to the market. Given this scenario, the broad agro-energy issue would be incomplete without exhaustive economic sustainability analyses, which serve as operational decision support tools to measure the cost-effectiveness of investments in agro-energy production and its use. This study presents a methodological proposal to evaluate the economic convenience of energy investments for the production of renewable energy which represents a trade-off between food and non-food production to promote effective and efficient solutions for the allocation of resources. The results of the research must be read to make the agricultural company competitive, not forgetting that it is called upon to produce agricultural products for the market.

Identification and description of relationships between actors involved in crop diversification experiences across Europe

Agriculture can benefit from crop diversification to facilitate its transition to more sustainable agrifood systems. However, these practices remain rare in Europe. One major barrier is the existence of sociotechnical lock-ins. To clarify the dynamics at work, we analyzed the relationships between actors involved in 23 crop diversification experiences across 11 European countries. The novelty of this paper lies in the systemic analysis of the network of actors involved in crop diversification experiences. Using data from qualitative interviews and cognitive mapping approaches, we identify and describe the role of actors and the key relationships in crop diversification and detect relationships that are currently missing. Our study shows that in the different European countries, similar relationships act as levers or barriers to crop diversification, with farmers and researchers playing a crucial role. The most important cognitive factors that influence the choice of farmers to diversify are environmental and health concerns and the desire to make profit and innovate. We relate the cognitive factors to organizational, technical, economic, and political factors and suggest levers for crop diversification based on successful crop diversification experiences.

Principles for guiding research and innovation toward sustainable and equitable agrifood systems

Investments in research and innovation are critical for transformations toward sustainable agrifood systems and for meeting the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement. However, the frequent neglect of environmental and social goals by investors remains a major challenge. System-oriented approaches to designing and monitoring innovations can be a promising solution to guide innovations and allow investors to identify those that are more sustainable. This article presents a set of eight ‘Principles for Agrifood Research and Innovation’ developed by an international multi-stakeholder task force including staff of research agencies, funders and impact investors, private sector, non-governmental organizations, and benchmarking organizations. The article explains the rationale for the selection of the principles and describes potential ways forward for their uptake and implementation, building on pilots done by several research and funding organizations.

Thinking beyond Ecology: Can Reskilling Youth Lead to Sustainable Transitions in Agri-Food Systems?

Green and decent work in the Global South is inextricably linked to sustaining rural livelihoods especially in agriculture that has undergone significant deskilling under the top-down, technocentric assemblages of the Green Revolution. Additionally, agrarian communities are also seeing youth quitting farming occupations in search of better livelihood options. Scholarly attention to green transitions though has been largely limited to the ecological dimensions. Enacting futures with a focus on ecologically responsible livelihoods need to go beyond existing narratives of technocentric and economic change and foreground the diverse micro institutional innovations that offer newer framings of reskilling. The growing evidence of agroecological initiatives across India indicates less discussed stories of transformation and innovations. Recognising the processes and linkages that allow for, and hinder, transformations at multiple scales and organisational levels is crucial for designing transformative initiatives and policies. Using two illustrative case studies, this paper explores opportunities for green work and the newer skills that might be required to enable sustainable agri-food systems. The case of Natural Farming Fellows (NFFs), a unique programme to encourage young agri-graduates to pursue Natural Farming is presented to understand enabling processes at the grassroots level. The second study explores institutional initiatives to engage rural youth through discussing the pedagogy and curricular approach of a Gandhian university along with opportunities to intern with field organisations. Together, these cases illustrate possible pathways and complexities underlying the process of nurturing sustainable livelihoods, the conception of which needs a broader idea of skilling based on personal aspirations and institutional support.

Rethinking Agricultural Policy in Ecuador (1960–2020): Analysis Based on the Water–Energy–Food Security Nexus

Agriculture is the principal source for satisfying the growing global demand for food. However, current production patterns and socioeconomic and demographic pressures could lead to an unsustainable, inequitable food supply. Government interventions support technical advances designed to meet future needs following international trends while overcoming biophysical constraints. Those most often used are focused on augmenting land productivity through mechanisation and increased dependence on external inputs. To that end, public policies have emerged as engines of development in agriculture and the agri-food system. This article provides a chronological analysis of the relevant milestones in the agri-food sector in Ecuador (1960–2020). At first, agrarian reform focused on land distribution and tenure. Subsequently, the focus moved to the implementation of research, technological innovation and technology transfer programmes promoted by the state with support and financing from international organisations. For this article, we chose for our approach the water–energy–food nexus. Until now, insufficient study based on this approach regarding agricultural programmes has been conducted in Ecuador. It is essential to concentrate on this sector because it represents about 10% of the gross domestic product and is a principal source of employment for more than two-thirds of the economically active population in rural areas. However, land fractioning, the lack of project continuity and the focus on the application of technological packages identified in this analysis suggest the need to rethink public policies for a sustainable agri-food system.

The Role of Markets and Value Chains in Shaping Sustainable Agrifood Systems

The Role of Markets and Value Chains in Shaping Sustainable Agrifood Systems

Forecasting methodologies for development of foreign markets of agricultural and food products of the Republic of Belarus

The strengthening of external factors and emerging crises of 2020–2022 related to the global epidemiological situation of COVID-19 and trade barriers, had a significant impact on the timely execution of foreign trade contracts, the efficiency of supply chains, environment of the global food market and the market for inputs for production agricultural products and food. At the same time, the unprecedented sanctions policy against the Republic of Belarus required a more sustainable agri-food system and the development of fundamentally new scientifically substantiated directions for diversifying export supplies. Step-by-step methodology has been developed for forecasting the development of foreign markets for agri-food products, which is a set of goals, objectives, an algorithm for conducting and an analytical product based on Microsoft Excel analysis tools, based on a set of factors impacting the trading process. In addition, a system of economic indicators for assessing the functioning of food markets and mechanisms for product access, including customs-tariff and non-tariff measures, has been substantiated. The methodology was tested based on example of the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) as the main trading partners of the Republic of Belarus, as well as the countries of Asia (Vietnam, Iran, China, Singapore) and Africa (Algeria, Egypt). The scientific novelty of the development lies in using a step-by-step algorithm for assessing the market situation of a particular country when making rational management decisions on the effective use of the existing potential and resources of agro-industrial complex organizations in order to enter existing and new markets (segments). These developments can be used by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food of the Republic of Belarus, the “Belgospischeprom” concern and other subjects of the agricultural business in preparation of analytical reviews of the country’s market environments for agricultural and food products.

Unlocking sustainability? The power of corporate lock-ins and how they shape digital agriculture in Germany

The digital transformation of agriculture is widely presented as a path to sustainability and a win-win strategy that benefits the environment, farmers, and consumers alike. However, recent studies show how the digital economy is characterized by monopoly structures, market concentration and corporate power that determine patterns of control over digital technology, distribution of benefits and value creation from data. In the field of agriculture, there is a lack of empirical research on lock-ins that examines in detail the logic of these effects, the actors, and the power dynamics behind them. Yet such insights are exactly what is needed to better understand the effects and to break unsustainable lock-ins towards more sustainable agri-food systems. Drawing on the literature on the political economy of food and agriculture, and on studies of innovation and sustainability transitions, this article aims to fill this research gap. Based on an empirical case study in Germany, it identifies systemic, technological, data, legal, soft, and discursive lock-ins that reinforce existing power relations and farmers' dependence on corporate agro-industrial farming models. It concludes that sustainable transformations in agriculture require a disruption of the identified lock-ins at multiple levels.