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Sustainability challenges in the multi-tier crop agri-food sector: a systematic review

Author

Listed:
  • Muhammad Khan

    (Harper Adams University)

  • Dimitrios Papadas

    (Harper Adams University)

  • Lydia Arnold

    (Harper Adams University)

  • Karl Behrendt

    (Harper Adams University)

Abstract

This systematic review identifies the potential sustainability challenges lower-tier suppliers and buying firms face in multi-tier crop agri-food supply chains. The first stage applied systematic mapping, and based on a sample of 487 academic articles from 6 databases, identified a less-researched area through empirical analysis. Secondly, a systematic evidence review synthesis methodology was used to synthesise the identified sustainability challenges from 18 qualitative studies focusing on the crop agri-food sector. A complex adaptive system, triple-bottom-line approach, and environmental, social, and governance sustainability models were applied to understand the nature of multi-tier supply chain structures and then identify sustainability challenges. Four major dimensions of sustainability challenges (social, economic, environmental and governance) for the lower-tier suppliers and buying firms were identified. Disintegration between buying firms and the lower-tier suppliers, predominantly due to their different locations, was found to be the primary reason for sustainability challenges in the crop agri-food sector. The review findings establish a theoretical framework that could serve as a roadmap for future research in multi-tier supply chains across various sectors and geographies, examining potential sustainability challenges and developing governance structures for sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Muhammad Khan & Dimitrios Papadas & Lydia Arnold & Karl Behrendt, 2024. "Sustainability challenges in the multi-tier crop agri-food sector: a systematic review," Agricultural and Food Economics, Springer;Italian Society of Agricultural Economics (SIDEA), vol. 12(1), pages 1-37, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:agfoec:v:12:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1186_s40100-024-00319-5
    DOI: 10.1186/s40100-024-00319-5
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