Lithium has become one of the key raw materials for the energy transition due to the central role of lithium-ion batteries in electromobility, energy storage, and the integration of renewable energy sources. However, the rapid increase in demand reveals growing environmental, social, geopolitical, and market tensions. The aim of the paper is a critical synthesis of global lithium utilization from the perspective of challenges, technological innovations, and integrative strategies supporting a more sustainable material–energy system. A broad, systematic literature review covering the entire value chain was applied: resources, extraction, processing, end-use applications, second life of batteries, recycling, and governance. The analysis shows that the strategic importance of lithium arises from the increasing demand pressure from electric vehicles and stationary storage, while the sustainability of the current model is constrained by supply concentration, uneven control over downstream stages, the water–carbon footprint of extraction and processing, social conflicts, and incomplete integration of secondary loops. At the same time, innovations such as direct lithium extraction (DLE), recovery from geothermal brines, design for recycling, second life, and battery passports can partially alleviate these tensions, but they do not eliminate the need for primary supply in the short term. The conclusion of the work is that sustainable global lithium utilization requires simultaneous diversification of sources, development of circular value chains, and multi-level governance integrating resource security, environmental efficiency, and social legitimacy.

Across African countries and contexts, there is robust evidence of how forests and trees can support people's diets. In particular, indigenous food trees are an important source of micronutrient-rich fruits, leaves, nuts, and seeds. Yet in large-scale landscape restoration projects, these species are often overlooked in favor of exotic, fast-growing tree species—limiting the potential of restoration initiatives to co-address biodiversity loss and malnutrition. With local practitioners in Malawi, we explore challenges to and opportunities for better integration of indigenous food trees in landscape restoration projects. We argue that scientists, policymakers, and restoration practitioners should focus on three primary domains for greater knowledge management and capacity building: (i) tree propagation, (ii) improving seedling survival rates, and (iii) value chain development for tree-based foods. Targeted support for incorporating indigenous food trees in these areas can help promote synergies between human and ecological health in natural resource management agendas.

This study examines the development and implementation of agricultural marketing strategies in the Philippines, focusing on structural constraints, institutional dynamics, and emerging innovations within value chain systems. Utilizing a qualitative literature review of peer-reviewed journals, government reports, and institutional publications, the study synthesizes evidence on market access, digital transformation, collective marketing, intermediary roles, and policy interventions in the agricultural sector. Findings reveal that despite agriculture’s significant contribution to GDP and employment, the sector remains constrained by fragmented value chains, inadequate infrastructure, weak institutional coordination, and persistent marginalization of smallholder farmers from formal markets. Market inefficiencies are further intensified by dependence on intermediaries, limited access to credit and market information, and uneven integration into higher-value supply chains. While collective marketing arrangements and government-led initiatives such as the KADIWA program and the Philippine Rural Development Project demonstrate potential for improving market connectivity, their impacts remain uneven and limited in scale. Digital transformation has accelerated, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, yet adoption is hindered by low ICT literacy and infrastructure gaps. The study concludes that Philippine agricultural marketing requires a more integrated, inclusive, and climate-resilient framework that aligns production, marketing, and value chain development. Strengthened institutional coordination, digital capacity building, and scalable policy implementation are essential for long-term agricultural transformation and rural development.

In the context of personnel shortage of in the Russian labor market, the agro-industrial complex faces the pressing need to change traditional approaches to improving production efficiency. The key approach is considered to be the relationship between staffing in the agro-industrial complex and sustainable development goals, as well as the integration of ESG approach into enterprise strategies. An analysis of employment and productivity trends in Russian agriculture from 2017 to 2023 reveals that labor shortages and rising personnel costs make extensive development models economically ineffective. The correlation coefficient between the gross regional product and number of people employed in agriculture as a percentage of the average annual employed population in the region was 0.83. The impact of wages on the gross regional product was significantly higher than the share of people employed in agriculture as a percentage of the average annual employed population in the region – 1.39 versus 0.035. It has been revealed that the drivers of wage increases include the introduction of modern technologies and automation, improved personnel skills, the development of efficient value chains and cooperation, and the transition to high-value-added production. This study substantiates that the transition to intensive production models based on digitalization, automation and technological modernization is a prerequisite for improving the efficiency and sustainability of the industry. The integration of ESG principles enhances the effectiveness of intensive strategies: the environmental aspect contributes to a reduction in resource consumption and emissions, the social aspect ensures the development of human resources and rural infrastructure and the management aspect increases business transparency and accountability. It is demonstrated that ESG approach is becoming an internal factor in the competitiveness of enterprises, rather than an external requirement. The practical significance of the study lies in the development of recommendations for the implementation of digital management platforms, the development of corporate training programs, and the creation of an attractive social environment in rural areas. Based on the findings, it was determined that integrating ESG into intensive development ensures the sustainability, innovation, and social orientation of Russia’s agro-industrial complex.

This study aims to analyze the development of global value chains (GVC) research within the fields of development and business economics using a bibliometric approach. Data were collected from the Scopus database and analyzed using VOSviewer to identify publication trends, influential articles, collaboration networks, and thematic structures. The results show a consistent increase in the number of publications, indicating growing academic interest in GVC. Citation analysis reveals that highly influential studies are dominated by themes related to digital transformation, sustainability, and global economic systems. Co-authorship analysis highlights the presence of key scholars who act as central connectors within research networks, although collaboration remains partially fragmented. Meanwhile, co-occurrence analysis demonstrates that recent research increasingly integrates topics such as sustainable development, circular economy, and innovation. Overall, the findings suggest that GVC research has evolved into a multidisciplinary field that combines economic, environmental, and technological perspectives. This study contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive mapping of research trends and identifying future directions for GVC studies.

The integration of superior genetic material through laparoscopic artificial insemination (LAI) represents a promising pathway for enhancing productivity in indigenous sheep populations. This study evaluated the comparative performance of Dorper-sired crossbred lambs against purebred Balami controls under semi-intensive management in northeastern Nigeria. Forty Balami ewes were allocated to either Dorper-insemination (DB, n=20) or natural Balami mating (BB, n=20) groups. Performance metrics encompassed reproductive efficiency, longitudinal growth trajectories, feed utilization efficiency, carcass characteristics, and economic returns over a 12-month evaluation period. Dorper crossbreds demonstrated significant advantages in birth weight (4.40±0.09 vs. 3.80±0.09 kg; p=0.0006) and 12-month body weight (89.5±1.88 vs. 73.3±1.73 kg; p<0.0001), representing a 22% improvement in market weight. Feed conversion efficiency improved by 16% (FCR: 5.01 vs. 5.99; p<0.0001), while carcass quality metrics including dressing percentage, loin eye area, and meat tenderness showed statistically significant enhancements. The LAI protocol achieved an 80% conception rate compared to 60% in naturally mated controls (p=0.301). Economic analysis revealed that Dorper crossbreds reduced gross margin losses by 83.5% (₦46,114 per lamb). These findings validate LAI-mediated crossbreeding with Dorper genetics as an effective strategy for productivity enhancement in Balami sheep. Sustainable implementation requires optimization of feed costs, establishment of AI service infrastructure, and development of value chains recognizing premium carcass quality.

This study examined the forms and levels of collaboration between academic institutions and agro-industrial firms in Ondo State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 180 respondents comprising academics, agro-industrial firms, and relevant government agencies. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and key informant interviews and analysed using frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, and figures. Results show that collaboration is predominantly training-oriented rather than research-driven. From the academic perspective, the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) was the most prevalent form of collaboration (100.0%), co-hosting of workshops (58.3%), consultancy services (50.0%), and formal Memoranda of Understanding (50.0%). Similarly, agro-industrial firms reported internships and SIWES placements as the dominant engagement (80.0%). The level of collaboration was generally weak, as interaction frequency was very low (x̄ = 1.17), despite high commitment from both academia and industry (x̄ = 2.92). Academia played a strong role in providing research-driven solutions, particularly in improving productivity, value-chain development, technical expertise, and technology adoption (x̄ = 3.50). Meanwhile, collaboration was significantly constrained by climate change impacts (x̄ = 3.42), market volatility (x̄ = 3.25), and low research commercialisation (x̄ = 3.00). Agro-industrial firms expressed strong demand for applied research support, especially expert technical advice (90.0%), skills gap analysis (90.0%), and problem-oriented studies addressing production and processing challenges (89.0%). Based on these findings, the study recommends that academic institutions and agro-industrial firms should transition from predominantly training-based interactions to structured, problem-oriented research collaboration by jointly designing applied research agendas that directly address identified industry challenges.

Introduction The sustainable development of global value chains (GVC) depends on how transactions are organized. Yet less attention has been given to how downstream governance mechanisms shape value recognition and distribution. This study addresses this gap within the specialty coffee GVC. Methods An in-depth qualitative analysis was conducted among European downstream agents in the specialty coffee GVC. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were examined to identify governance structures, coordination mechanisms, and the processes through which information about the value is transmitted. Results Findings show that specialty coffee is defined by non-contractible, subjective attributes valued differently along the chain. The further downstream the transaction, the more subjective this measurement becomes. Governance relies on informal mechanisms and relational coordination rather than vertical integration, with importers playing a central coordination role. Discussion The importer plays a central coordinating role, holding and translating key information on coffee quality, thereby shaping coordination processes and influencing value distribution along the chain. Strengthening information transparency is important to avoid power asymmetries, as difficulties in measuring quality can create information gaps that increase the risk of value losses along the chain.

Abstract Camel milk presents unique processing challenges due to its distinct protein structure, limited heat stability, and weak coagulation properties. The absence of harmonized international standards restricts global trade, while reliable adulteration detection methods are increasingly needed to ensure authenticity. Producing countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia risk losing significant economic opportunities without improved value-chain development. Emerging innovations demonstrate strong potential for functional fermented products by blending camel milk with plant-based extracts. Advancing the camel milk sector requires coordinated international collaboration among dairy industries, researchers, and global institutions to enhance knowledge on its chemical, physical, microbial, and health-related attributes.

A sustainable approach of valorizing pumpkin fruit and by-products within the circular economy context.

As the world's population increases, traditional food sources face various constraints. This has renewed interest in the domestication and value addition of alternative food sources such as edible insects for nutrition and food security, as they are rich in proteins, fats, amino acids, flavonoids, minerals, and vitamins. Among these insects, the larvae of Rynchophorus spp (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) have a demonstrated potential as a sustainable and nutritious food source. Attempts to develop new insect farming techniques, improved harvesting methods, and creation of value-added products from palm weevil larvae such as powder, flour, and snacks are on the increase. However, their potential is yet to be fully explored due to insufficient domestication and value addition efforts. The main obstacles to the success of palm weevil larvae value chains include lack of knowledge and awareness among farmers and consumers on nutritional value of the weevils and the scarcity of regulations and policies to govern their farming and marketing, leading to market limitations and hindering large-scale production. With concerted efforts and more investment in palm weevil larvae value chain development, these larvae can potentially contribute significantly to food and nutrition security. We recommend the adoption of sustainable palm weevil larvae farming practices, strengthening of quality control standards, and promotion of cultural shifts towards insect consumption. Implementing more efficient and automated production and processing methods, as well as exploring the potential of using the insects for animal feed and other valuable by-products, can help achieve a more sustainable approach to farming palm weevil larvae.

Driven by the rapid expansion of the digital economy, digital trade has emerged as a pivotal force restructuring international trade and reconfiguring global production networks. Distinct from traditional models centered on trade in goods, digital trade-facilitated by cross-border data flows, digital services, and platform-based transactions-has profoundly reshaped the international industrial division of labor and Global Value Chain (GVC) governance. Based on a systematic review of existing literature, this paper synthesizes key perspectives on the mechanisms through which digital trade reshapes industrial specialization and the resulting governance transformations. The analysis reveals that by reducing transaction costs, facilitating technology diffusion, and amplifying platform network effects, digital trade drives the evolution of international specialization from inter-industry division toward task-based and functional models. Consequently, GVC governance logic is shifting from control-oriented models centered on ownership and contracts toward digital governance based on rules, platforms, and data factors. However, challenges such as constraints on cross-border data flows, value distribution imbalances under platform dominance, the digital divide, and the fragmentation of international rules pose risks to the stability of digital value chains. Finally, this paper discusses future research directions and policy implications to support digital trade governance and the sustainable development of global value chains.

Societal Impact Statement Legume plants offer generous benefits for both the planet and people by supporting sustainable farming, food and feed systems through their ability to symbiotically fix atmospheric nitrogen. While grain legumes are cultivated and consumed globally, their adoption, market development, and integration into cropping systems vary. In Zambia, pigeonpea remains an underutilised legume crop despite its suitability for semiarid conditions and potential to diversify food and income sources. We implemented farmer field schools in the Eastern province of Zambia to introduce pigeonpea, strengthen farmer knowledge, and explore how participatory learning can support its adoption and early‐stage value chain development. Summary Farmer field schools (FFSs) are transformative, participatory approaches to adult agricultural education that effectively promote farmers' learning and capacity building and empower farming communities with practical knowledge. Here, we present a case study of FFSs in the Katete district, Eastern province of Zambia, focused on good pigeonpea agronomic practices and the value chain. Three FFSs were established, focusing on pigeonpea variety trials, biological pesticides, and a pigeonpea‐specific rhizobial inoculant development and testing. Farmers received hands‐on training and resources and were guided through community‐led trials. Extreme weather conditions, free‐grazing livestock, an underdeveloped pigeonpea seed value chain, and a poor seed system hindered the implementation of the FFSs. Despite the challenges encountered, we successfully designed and tested pigeonpea‐specific rhizobial inoculants, trained farmers in good agronomic practices such as biological pest control, and provided access to seed of improved pigeonpea varieties. To strengthen the pigeonpea seed value chain, a seed dehuller is now available to farmers. Pigeonpea FFSs will support crop and food diversification, improve soil fertility and sustainable agriculture, and may increase household income.

Background: Ginger is a commercially significant spice crop in the Western Himalayan region, serving as a key source of livelihood for smallholder farmers. In recognition of its economic potential, the Sirmour district of Himachal Pradesh has been designated under India’s One District One Product (ODOP) initiative for ginger, aiming to promote value chain upgrading, processing and market expansion. However, empirical assessments of cost structures, profitability and determinants of income in this ODOP context remain scarce. This study examines the economics of ginger cultivation and identifies the factors that influence net farm income, aiming to inform evidence-based policy and value-chain development. Methods: A multistage purposive-random sampling approach was employed to survey 300 ginger-growing households across major production clusters in Sirmour. Primary data for the agricultural year 2023-24 were collected using a pre-tested structured schedule. Production costs were estimated following the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) framework. Profitability indicators, including gross and net returns, family labour income, farm business income and output-input ratios, were compared across marginal, small and semi-medium farmers. Determinants of net farm income were identified through an Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression model incorporating socioeconomic, input-use, farm-structural and institutional variables. Result: Semi-medium farmers achieved the highest productivity (153.71 q/ha), lowest unit cost of production (₹ 1,566/q) and the highest output-input ratio (2.51). The mean net farm income from ginger cultivation was ₹ 295,394 per farm, indicating economic viability, though income variability was high. The OLS results show that household size, hired labour use and area under ginger cultivation exert a positive and significant influence on net farm income. In contrast, seed cost negatively affects income, confirming it as a major profitability constraint. Expenditure on fertilisers and chemicals shows weakly diminishing returns, while varietal choice and market access variables, price information, transport and storage are statistically insignificant. The model explains about 50 per cent of the variation in net farmmo income. Overall, the findings highlight that production efficiency and crop-specific scale, rather than total landholdings or existing market infrastructure, are the principal drivers of farm income. The study offers strong empirical evidence for ODOP strategies to prioritise input cost reduction and production-side interventions to enhance the incomes of ginger growers in Himalayan regions.

With the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a reference, this study systematically examines the evolution, characteristics, achievements, and challenges of China–Africa agricultural cooperation. The study elaborates on how China–Africa agricultural cooperation has transitioned from a politically driven aid model to a comprehensive framework integrating aid, investment, trade, and technology transfer under the guidance of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Despite distinct positive achievements in food security, infrastructure construction, and technology transfer between China and Africa, the analysis identifies issues and challenges that affect the sustainability of future cooperation. These include limited impact on comprehensive regional development, scrutiny over trade imbalances and potential resource exploitation, and ineffective utilization of Africa’s diverse agricultural resources. To address these issues, the paper proposes future pathways such as maximizing the potential of Agricultural Technology Demonstration Centers (ATDCs), supporting the development of the entire agricultural value chain, and effectively leveraging digital technology. This study argues that it is necessary to adopt a more comprehensive, integrated, and sustainable approach to improve the China–Africa agricultural cooperation model and promote Africa’s achievement of the SDGs.

Yam (Dioscorea rotundata) is a major staple crop in West Africa and plays a central role in regional food security, rural livelihoods, and cultural identity. Its wide ecological adaptation, diverse maturity periods, and in-ground storage capacity make yams critical to seasonal food availability and resilience of smallholder farming systems. Despite its importance, existing yam research has largely emphasized biophysical and agronomic dimensions, with limited integration of the socio-cultural and ecological factors that shape yam-based food systems. This review addresses this gap by synthesizing interdisciplinary knowledge on yam food ecology, focusing on how socio-cultural values, beliefs, behaviours, and interactions influence production, utilization, and sustainability of yam systems. We examine the roles of culture, politics, power relations, gender dynamics, and community organization in structuring yam production and consumption across the West African yam belt. The review further explores the long-standing human–yam relationship and the implications of eroding traditional knowledge for future food system resilience. By adopting a systems and ecological perspective that integrates life and social sciences, this review provides a framework to inform sustainable yam crop improvement, value chain development, and inclusive policy interventions, thereby supporting long-term food security and rural development in West Africa.

This research examines the strategic, operational, and financial viability of CV Surya Abadi Putra Kembar's (SAPK) expansion into the beauty cotton business. Market analysis reveals significant growth potential driven by increasing hygiene awareness, home-based beauty practices, and e-commerce development in Indonesia. STP analysis identifies urban and suburban young women with high purchasing power as the primary target market, favoring locally manufactured, high-quality, and environmentally friendly products. Operational analysis evaluates three models: full in-house, hybrid (Partial Maklon), and full outsourcing, with the hybrid model offering the optimal balance of cost-effectiveness, scalability, and quality control. A 10-year financial forecast demonstrates positive NPV, IRR exceeding the company's benchmark, and short payback period across all scenarios. Monte Carlo simulation confirms high probability of sustained positive cash flow. The Partial Maklon model emerges as the most feasible strategy, combining SAPK's operational strengths with external partners' efficiency while minimizing capital investment and risk. This model projects an NPV of approximately IDR 180 billion, IRR above 12%, three-year payback period, and only 5% loss probability. The study confirms SAPK's operational capability to transform from raw material supplier to branded consumer goods producer, enhancing long-term competitiveness and supporting Indonesia's industrial value chain development.

Globally, agri-food systems face rising pressure from climate change, population growth, and economic structural shifts, raising worries about the capacity of food systems. Africa holds a crucial role in this worldwide issue due to its swiftly increasing population, significant reliance on agriculture for survival, and ongoing susceptibility to food insecurity and malnutrition. This systematic review explores the impact of economic, cultural, and institutional factors on the shift of Africa’s agri-food systems toward sustainable regional food security. A comprehensive analysis was conducted on 106 peer-reviewed articles published from 2010 to 2024, adhering to PRISMA guidelines. The approach utilized thematic synthesis and descriptive statistical analysis to derive insights on indicators of food security, efficiency in agriculture, and the prevalence of malnutrition. The analysis shows significant regional disparities: Northern and Southern Africa demonstrate comparatively better system efficiency and food security, due to enhanced infrastructure, institutional backing, and economic stability. The results also indicate that economic elements, especially agricultural value chain development, productivity, and access to finance, are significantly linked to enhanced food security, whereas the quality of institutions and governance effectiveness serve a crucial enabling function. Cultural dynamics, such as dietary habits and gender roles, greatly impact food usage and nutrition, particularly in East and West Africa. Significant regional disparities continue, with North and Southern Africa showing comparatively better institutional and economic performance, while Central Africa is dealing with increased vulnerabilities. The assessment emphasizes the significant connections with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action), highlighting the importance of Agri-food transformation in Africa’s development agenda. Additionally, the examination highlights the increasing significance of climate-smart farming, circular economy approaches, and inclusive policy structures in influencing food system durability and rural economies. The research concludes that Africa’s Agri-food transition necessitates diverse, region-tailored strategies based on economic feasibility, cultural relevance, and institutional changes. It emphasizes the need for improved policy alignment, inter-regional knowledge sharing, and data-driven innovation to secure a fair and sustainable Agri-food future for the continent. This review adds to the body of knowledge by presenting a systems-oriented, region-specific perspective on Africa’s Agri-food transition, supplying data to guide cohesive policy formulation, focused investment, and subsequent research directed at ensuring sustainable food and nutrition security in Africa.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in India increasingly emphasize sustainable livelihood interventions, particularly in rural and tribal settings. This study evaluates the Dairy Value Chain Project of TVS Srinivasan Services Trust (TVS SST) in Pudurnadu, a remote tribal region of Tamil Nadu, implemented in partnership with Hatsun Agro Product Ltd. The program established milk collection centers with bulk chilling facilities, provided farmer training, and conducted veterinary health camps to enhance productivity. Using a mixed-method approach—quantitative surveys of 50 farmers and qualitative interviews—the study assessed changes in livestock ownership, milk yield, and household income. Results indicate a significant rise in average cattle per farmer (from 1.1 to 4.1), daily milk yield (from 1.7 to 4.2 litres), and monthly income (from ₹2700/- to ₹7875/-). Beyond economic gains, the intervention fostered women’s participation and integrated tribal farmers into the formal dairy economy. The findings highlight CSR’s transformative potential in strengthening sustainable livelihoods, promoting socio-economic inclusion, and building resilience among marginalized tribal communities.

Agriculture remains the backbone of Tanzania’s economy, contributing significantly to gross domestic product, employment, and rural livelihoods. Despite its importance, the sector continues to experience low productivity due to limited mechanization, inadequate irrigation, weak institutional support, and climate-related challenges. This review examines the key constraints affecting agricultural productivity in Tanzania and assesses strategic interventions required to enhance its role in economic transformation. Drawing on existing literature, policy documents, and empirical reports, the study identifies critical policy gaps, technological limitations, and market inefficiencies that hinder agricultural performance. The review highlights the importance of investment in irrigation and mechanization, strengthening research and extension services, improving market access and value chain development, and promoting climate-smart agricultural practices. It argues that enhanced agricultural productivity can stimulate industrialization, value addition, employment creation, and export growth, in line with Tanzania’s Vision 2025 and Vision 2050. The study provides evidence-based insights for policymakers and stakeholders seeking to transform agriculture into a sustainable driver of inclusive economic growth and structural transformation.