Digitalization and Future Agro-Food Supply Chain Management: A Literature-Based Implications

Tadesse Kenea Amentae and Girma Gebresenbet
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Tadesse Kenea Amentae: Department of Management, Ambo University, Ambo P.O. Box 19, Ethiopia
Girma Gebresenbet: Division of Automation, Department of Energy and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7032, Se-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 21, 1-24

Abstract: Achieving transition towards sustainable and resilient food systems is a critical issue on the current societal agenda. This study examined the potential contribution of digitalization of the food system to such transition by reviewing 76 relevant journal articles, indexed on the Scopus database, using the integrative literature review approach and descriptive content analysis with MAXQDA 2020 software. ‘Blockchain’ was the top hit among keywords and main concepts applied to the food system. The UK as a country and Europe as a continent were found to lead the scientific research on food system digitalization. Use of digital technologies such as blockchain, the Internet of Things, big-data analytics, artificial intelligence, and related information and communications technologies were identified as enablers. Traceability, sustainability, resilience to crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and reducing food waste were among the key benefit areas associated with digitalization for different food commodities. Challenges to practical applications related to infrastructure and cost, knowledge and skill, law and regulations, the nature of the technologies, and the nature of the food system were identified. Developing policies and regulations, supporting infrastructure development, and educating and training people could facilitate fuller digitalization of the food system.

Keywords: agro-food supply chain management; blockchain; digitalization; IoT; sustainability; sustainable food system; traceability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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