Stabilizing Chaotic Food Supply Chains: A Four-Tier Nonlinear Control Framework for Sustainability Outcomes

Food supply chains play a critical role in advancing sustainability within today’s food systems. In this work, we construct a differential equation-based model with a four-layer supply chain framework that captures the intricate relationships among producers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers while considering resource optimization, waste minimization, and supply–demand equilibrium. To better understand and predict supply chain behavior, we perform a series of model analyses. By applying chaos theory, we analyze the system’s equilibrium states and evaluate their local stability. Our findings reveal that manufacturers and retailers encounter significant difficulties when the system shifts into chaotic behavior. This can be made worse by future uncertainties. This entails formulating tailored strategies to mitigate risks. Hence, we design a set of nonlinear feedback control strategies to synchronize two chaotic supply chain networks. Theoretical validity is established using Lyapunov theory. Our simulation results confirm that the proposed strategy can eliminate synchronization errors. Furthermore, it allows for swift alignment and coordination between the networks. Overall, this synchronization method is both effective and easy to implement for managing risks and enhancing sustainability in food supply chains affected by chaotic dynamics.