A Multi-Expert FQFD and TRIZ Framework for Prioritizing Multi-Capital Sustainability KPIs: A Smallholder Case Study

Asma Fekih (), Safa Chabouh, Lilia Sidhom, Alaeddine Zouari and Abdelkader Mami
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Asma Fekih: Energy Applications and Renewable Energy Efficiency Laboratory (LAPER), Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1068, Tunisia
Safa Chabouh: Analysis, Conception and Control of Systems Laboratory (LR11ES20), National Engineering School of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Campus Farhat Hached, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
Lilia Sidhom: Energy Applications and Renewable Energy Efficiency Laboratory (LAPER), Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1068, Tunisia
Alaeddine Zouari: Optimization, Logistics and Decision Support Systems Laboratory (OLID), Higher Institute of Industrial Management, University of Sfax, Techno-Park of Sfax, Road of Tunis Km 10.5, Sfax 3021-BP 1164, Tunisia
Abdelkader Mami: Energy Applications and Renewable Energy Efficiency Laboratory (LAPER), Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1068, Tunisia

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 18, 1-31

Abstract: Smallholder farmers, key actors in agri-food supply chains, still face persistent challenges in applying sustainability strategies due to limited resources, context variability, and weak-performance monitoring systems. Their multidimensional needs, across economic, environmental, and social domains, are frequently inadequately captured by traditional key performance indicators (KPIs). This paper proposes an innovative framework to prioritize KPIs tailored to smallholders by integrating a multi-capital approach with expert-based and contradiction-resolving methods. A five-phase methodology is developed that combines Multi-Expert Fuzzy Quality Function Deployment (FQFD) and the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ). Expert input and field data identified 30 KPIs, narrowed to 19 via a capital-constrained algorithm; TRIZ resolved key contradictions like global warming versus land use efficiency. Expert input and field data are used to identify the sustainability capitals and KPIs, which are then ranked using FQFD and filtered using a capital-constrained algorithm. TRIZ is then used to address contradictions between indicators. Applied to a case study, the framework successfully identified a ranked, coherent set of sustainability KPIs. The sensitivity analysis confirmed the stability of the prioritization. TRIZ offered innovative solutions to trade-offs between key indicators (such as environmental impact versus productivity). This is the first known integration of FQFD and TRIZ in sustainability KPIs for smallholders. This approach is adaptable and replicable within similar agricultural contexts, thereby allowing informed and context-sensitive planning for sustainability. It provides actionable insights to guide smallholder-focused agricultural policies globally.

Keywords: sustainability KPIs; multi-capital; FQFD; TRIZ; smallholders; prioritization; contradictions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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