Causal Impacts of Epidemics and Pandemics on Food Supply Chains: A Systematic Review

Brenda Cardoso, Luiza Cunha, Adriana Leiras, Paulo Gonçalves, Hugo Yoshizaki, Irineu de Brito Junior and Frederico Pedroso
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Brenda Cardoso: Industrial Engineering Department, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro—PUC-Rio, Rio de Janeiro 22541-041, Brazil
Luiza Cunha: Industrial Engineering Department, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro—PUC-Rio, Rio de Janeiro 22541-041, Brazil
Adriana Leiras: Industrial Engineering Department, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro—PUC-Rio, Rio de Janeiro 22541-041, Brazil
Paulo Gonçalves: Facoltà di Scienze Economiche, Università della Svizzera Italiana, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
Hugo Yoshizaki: Production Engineering, Polytechnic School, Sao Paulo University, Sao Paulo 05508-220, Brazil
Irineu de Brito Junior: Environmental Engineering Department, Sao Paulo State University, Sao Jose dos Campos, Sao Paulo 12247-004, Brazil
Frederico Pedroso: Urban, Disaster Risk Management, Resilience & Land, World Bank, Washington, DC 20433, USA

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 17, 1-28

Abstract: The epidemics and pandemics can severely affect food supply chains, including producers, retailers, wholesalers, and customers. To minimize their impacts, it is fundamental to implement effective policies that ensure continuity in the provision, affordability, and distribution of basic food items. This research identifies the main impacts of pandemics and epidemics on food supply chains and policies that can minimize these impacts. Based on a systematic literature review (SLR), 173 documents are analysed to propose a taxonomy of impacts on four supply chain links: demand-side, supply-side, logistics and infrastructure, and management and operation. The taxonomy presents the main impacts and respective mitigation policies. In addition, the literature review leads to the development of a comprehensive causal loop diagram (CLD) with the identification of main variables and their relationship with food supply chains. Finally, a specific research agenda is proposed by identifying the main research gaps. These findings provide a structured method for evaluating policies that ensure the functioning of food supply chains, particularly in disruptions such as epidemics and pandemics.

Keywords: COVID-19; food supply chain; epidemic; pandemic; disruptions (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 (6)

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