IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jsusta/v17y2025i9p4174-d1649616.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Agri-Food Supply Chain Sustainability Indicators from a Multi-Capital Perspective: A Systematic Review

Author

Listed:
  • Ayla Amamou

    (Laper Laboratory, Department of Physics, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Campus Farhat Hached, Tunis 1002, Tunisia)

  • Safa Chabouh

    (LR11ES20 Analysis, Conception and Control of Systems Laboratory, National Engineering School of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Campus Farhat Hached, Tunis 1002, Tunisia)

  • Lilia Sidhom

    (Laper Laboratory, Department of Physics, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Campus Farhat Hached, Tunis 1002, Tunisia)

  • Alaeddine Zouari

    (Olid Laboratory, Higher Institute of Industrial Management Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax 3029, Tunisia)

  • Abdelkader Mami

    (Laper Laboratory, Department of Physics, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Campus Farhat Hached, Tunis 1002, Tunisia)

Abstract

The concept of sustainability in agri-food supply chains (AFSCs) is gaining traction among researchers and practitioners. There has been a considerable effort to define and identify frameworks for assessing, monitoring, and improving sustainability practices within systems and organizations. The multi-capital approach presents an alternative tool for sustainability that integrates various types of capital to provide a deeper understanding and assessment of the impacts across different facets of the system. This review systematically examines existing research on AFSC sustainability indicators and assessment from a multi-capital perspective. Based on 106 articles, 116 indicators from various databases (Web of Science, Scopus, and others) are identified. These indicators are assigned to specific AFSC actors and forms of capital. Their role in evaluating the AFSCs through a sustainability lens is examined. The analysis also identifies the most significant capital associated with each actor. This analysis leads to the development of a structured framework that helps actors assess their resources and pinpoint sustainability challenges. Following this review, a theoretical framework is derived, connecting sustainability capital, key themes, and relevant Sustainable Development Goals. This provides a comprehensive tool for evaluating assets and guiding strategic actions for AFSC.

Suggested Citation

  • Ayla Amamou & Safa Chabouh & Lilia Sidhom & Alaeddine Zouari & Abdelkader Mami, 2025. "Agri-Food Supply Chain Sustainability Indicators from a Multi-Capital Perspective: A Systematic Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-34, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:9:p:4174-:d:1649616
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/9/4174/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/9/4174/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Patrizia Borsotto & Roberto Cagliero & Francesca Giarè & Giorgia Giordani & Rita Iacono & Ilenia Manetti & Roberta Sardone, 2023. "Measuring Short Food Supply Chain Sustainability: A Selection of Attributes and Indicators through a Qualitative Approach," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-16, March.
    2. Daniel A. Sumner, 1982. "The Off-Farm Labor Supply of Farmers," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 64(3), pages 499-509.
    3. John Elliot Meador & David O’Brien, 2019. "Placing Rwanda’s agriculture boom: trust, women empowerment and policy impact in maize agricultural cooperatives," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 11(4), pages 869-880, August.
    4. Jonkman, Jochem & Barbosa-Póvoa, Ana P. & Bloemhof, Jacqueline M., 2019. "Integrating harvesting decisions in the design of agro-food supply chains," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 276(1), pages 247-258.
    5. Jia-Wei Tang & Ming-Lun Chen & Tsai-Hsin Chiu, 2018. "An Exploratory Study on Local Brand Value Development for Outlying Island Agriculture: Local Food System and Actor–Network Theory Perspectives," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(11), pages 1-21, November.
    6. Chethana Chandrasiri & Subodha Dharmapriya & Janappriya Jayawardana & Asela K. Kulatunga & Amanda N. Weerasinghe & Chethana P. Aluwihare & Dilmini Hettiarachchi, 2022. "Mitigating Environmental Impact of Perishable Food Supply Chain by a Novel Configuration: Simulating Banana Supply Chain in Sri Lanka," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-20, September.
    7. Valentina Maria Merlino & Alessandro Sciullo & Giacomo Pettenati & Francesco Sottile & Cristiana Peano & Stefano Massaglia, 2022. "“Local Production”: What Do Consumers Think?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-15, March.
    8. Ahmad Bathaei & Dalia Štreimikienė, 2023. "A Systematic Review of Agricultural Sustainability Indicators," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-19, January.
    9. Kotu, Bekele Hundie & Oyinbo, Oyakhilomen & Hoeschle-Zeledon, Irmgard & Nurudeen, Abdul Rahman & Kizito, Fred & Boyubie, Benedict, 2022. "Smallholder farmers’ preferences for sustainable intensification attributes in maize production: Evidence from Ghana," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 152(C).
    10. Karine Latouche & Emmanuelle Chevassus-Lozza, 2015. "Retailer Supply Chain and Market Access: Evidence From French Agri-food Firms Certified with Private Standards," The World Economy, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 38(8), pages 1312-1334, August.
    11. Richael Connolly & Joe Bogue & Lana Repar, 2022. "Farmers’ Markets as Resilient Alternative Market Structures in a Sustainable Global Food System: A Small Firm Growth Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-24, September.
    12. Yoder, Landon & Roy Chowdhury, Rinku, 2018. "Tracing social capital: How stakeholder group interactions shape agricultural water quality restoration in the Florida Everglades," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 77(C), pages 354-361.
    13. Marcelo Werneck Barbosa & José M. Cansino, 2022. "A Water Footprint Management Construct in Agri-Food Supply Chains: A Content Validity Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-17, April.
    14. Syamsari Syamsari & Muhammad Ramaditya & Irma Andriani & Ayu Puspitasari, 2022. "Selecting Priority Policy Strategies for Sustainability of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in Takalar Regency," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-12, November.
    15. Chrisendo, Daniel & Siregar, Hermanto & Qaim, Matin, 2022. "Oil palm cultivation improves living standards and human capital formation in smallholder farm households," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 159(C).
    16. José A. Gutiérrez & Áine Macken-Walsh, 2022. "Ecosystems of Collaboration for Sustainability-Oriented Innovation: The Importance of Values in the Agri-Food Value-Chain," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-19, September.
    17. Lauran Van Oers & Jeroen Guinée, 2016. "The Abiotic Depletion Potential: Background, Updates, and Future," Resources, MDPI, vol. 5(1), pages 1-12, March.
    18. Annalisa De Boni & Giovanni Ottomano Palmisano & Maria De Angelis & Fabio Minervini, 2022. "Challenges for a Sustainable Food Supply Chain: A Review on Food Losses and Waste," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(24), pages 1-14, December.
    19. Wilson, Clevo & Tisdell, Clem, 2001. "Why farmers continue to use pesticides despite environmental, health and sustainability costs," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 39(3), pages 449-462, December.
    20. Reina-Usuga, Liliana & Parra-López, Carlos & de Haro-Giménez, Tomás & Carmona-Torres, Carmen, 2023. "Sustainability assessment of Territorial Short Food Supply Chains versus Large‐Scale Food Distribution: The case of Colombia and Spain," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 126(C).
    21. Carvalho, Aline Martins de & Verly Jr, Eliseu & Marchioni, Dirce Maria & Jones, Andrew D., 2021. "Measuring sustainable food systems in Brazil: A framework and multidimensional index to evaluate socioeconomic, nutritional, and environmental aspects," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 143(C).
    22. Ilija Djekic & Laura Batlle-Bayer & Alba Bala & Pere Fullana-i-Palmer & Anet Režek Jambrak, 2021. "Role of the Food Supply Chain Stakeholders in Achieving UN SDGs," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-16, August.
    23. Ioannis Manikas & Balan Sundarakani & Foivos Anastasiadis & Beshir Ali, 2022. "A Framework for Food Security via Resilient Agri-Food Supply Chains: The Case of UAE," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-13, May.
    24. Matthew J Page & Joanne E McKenzie & Patrick M Bossuyt & Isabelle Boutron & Tammy C Hoffmann & Cynthia D Mulrow & Larissa Shamseer & Jennifer M Tetzlaff & Elie A Akl & Sue E Brennan & Roger Chou & Jul, 2021. "The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 18(3), pages 1-15, March.
    25. Edinam Dope Setsoafia & Wanglin Ma & Alan Renwick, 2022. "Effects of sustainable agricultural practices on farm income and food security in northern Ghana," Agricultural and Food Economics, Springer;Italian Society of Agricultural Economics (SIDEA), vol. 10(1), pages 1-15, December.
    26. Uhlenbrook, Stefan & Yu, W. & Schmitter, Petra & Smith, Douglas Mark, 2022. "Optimising the water we eat - rethinking policy to enhance productive and sustainable use of water in agri-food systems across scales," Papers published in Journals (Open Access), International Water Management Institute, pages 6(1):59-65..
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Yao, Jia & Yu, Lan & An, Shi, 2024. "Agricultural product harvest equilibrium with transportation bottleneck and random disasters," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 192(C).
    2. Cheptea, Angela & Emlinger, Charlotte & Latouche, Karine, 2014. "Do exporting firms benefit from retail internationalization? Evidence from France," 2014 International Congress, August 26-29, 2014, Ljubljana, Slovenia 182706, European Association of Agricultural Economists.
    3. Antoci, Angelo & Galdi, Giulio & Russu, Paolo, 2022. "Environmental degradation and comparative advantage reversal," Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 82(PA).
    4. Elias Giannakis & Sophia Efstratoglou & Artemis Antoniades, 2018. "Off-Farm Employment and Economic Crisis: Evidence from Cyprus," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 8(3), pages 1-11, March.
    5. Boglárka Anna Éliás & Attila Jámbor, 2021. "Food Security and COVID-19: A Systematic Review of the First-Year Experience," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-18, May.
    6. Omoyele, Olalekan & Hoffmann, Maximilian & Koivisto, Matti & Larrañeta, Miguel & Weinand, Jann Michael & Linßen, Jochen & Stolten, Detlef, 2024. "Increasing the resolution of solar and wind time series for energy system modeling: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 189(PB).
    7. Cala, Anggie & Maturana-Córdoba, Aymer & Soto-Verjel, Joseph, 2023. "Exploring the pretreatments' influence on pressure reverse osmosis: PRISMA review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 188(C).
    8. Ming Shan & Yu-Shan Li & Bon-Gang Hwang & Jia-En Chua, 2021. "Productivity Metrics and Its Implementations in Construction Projects: A Case Study of Singapore," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-19, November.
    9. Susca, T. & Zanghirella, F. & Colasuonno, L. & Del Fatto, V., 2022. "Effect of green wall installation on urban heat island and building energy use: A climate-informed systematic literature review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 159(C).
    10. Alexander P. L. Martindale & Carrie D. Llewellyn & Richard O. Visser & Benjamin Ng & Victoria Ngai & Aditya U. Kale & Lavinia Ferrante Ruffano & Robert M. Golub & Gary S. Collins & David Moher & Melis, 2024. "Concordance of randomised controlled trials for artificial intelligence interventions with the CONSORT-AI reporting guidelines," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-11, December.
    11. Gizéh Rangel-de Lázaro & Josep M. Duart, 2023. "You Can Handle, You Can Teach It: Systematic Review on the Use of Extended Reality and Artificial Intelligence Technologies for Online Higher Education," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-23, February.
    12. Tocco, Barbara & Bailey, Alastair & Davidova, Sophia & Raimondi, Valentina, 2015. "Women and Part-Time Farming: Understanding Labor Supply Decisions in Italian Farm Households," 2015 Conference, August 9-14, 2015, Milan, Italy 211932, International Association of Agricultural Economists.
    13. Thomas Vendryes, 2014. "Peasants Against Private Property Rights: A Review Of The Literature," Journal of Economic Surveys, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 28(5), pages 971-995, December.
    14. Kim, Hyunil & Kim, Yun Young & Song, Eun-Jee & Windsor, Liliane, 2024. "Policies to reduce child poverty and child maltreatment: A scoping review and preliminary estimates of indirect effects," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 156(C).
    15. Kofi Awuviry-Newton & Bernadette Saunders & Nestor Asiamah & Kwamina Abekah-Carter & Daniel Doh, 2025. "Adverse childhood experiences and elder abuse victimization nexus: A systematic review and meta-analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 20(2), pages 1-18, February.
    16. Lee, Kuan-Ting & Chen, Yen-Chin & Yang, Yi-Ching & Wang, Wei-Li, 2024. "On practicing magicine, from wonder to care: A systematic review of studies that apply magic in healthcare," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 341(C).
    17. Yau, Jessie Ho-Yin & Wong, Edwin Lok Yan & Kanagawa, Hotinpo Sky & Liu, Tianyin & Wong, Gloria Hoi Yan & Lum, Terry Yat Sang, 2024. "Effectiveness of community-based participatory research (CBPR) interventions on mental health outcomes: A systematic review," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 363(C).
    18. Deniz Dutz & Ingrid Huitfeldt & Santiago Lacouture & Magne Mogstad & Alexander Torgovitsky & Winnie van Dijk, 2021. "Selection in Surveys," NBER Working Papers 29549, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
      • Deniz Dutz & Ingrid Huitfeldt & Santiago Lacouture & Magne Mogstad & Alexander Torgovitsky & Winnie van Dijk, 2021. "Selection in Surveys," Discussion Papers 971, Statistics Norway, Research Department.
    19. Jacquet, Florence & Butault, Jean-Pierre & Guichard, Laurence, 2011. "An economic analysis of the possibility of reducing pesticides in French field crops," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 70(9), pages 1638-1648, July.
    20. Clement A. Tisdell, 2014. "Sustainable agriculture," Chapters, in: Giles Atkinson & Simon Dietz & Eric Neumayer & Matthew Agarwala (ed.), Handbook of Sustainable Development, chapter 32, pages 517-531, Edward Elgar Publishing.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:9:p:4174-:d:1649616. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.