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

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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
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