Purpose The increasing global population and challenges posed by climate change have required more efficient solutions in agriculture, including digital technologies such as those related to Industry 4.0. In this context, Agtechs have emerged as agricultural technology-based operations. Design/methodology/approach This study systematically mapped the application of digital technologies in the Agtech context, proposing a conceptual map that integrates barriers, critical factors and performance indicators related to the implementation of digital technologies in such agricultural operations. A special focus was given to the Brazilian scenario, characterised by several opportunities and a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology was conducted to cover that gap. Findings The results encompass a conceptual map that gathers barriers, critical factors and performance indicators, along with a discussion on the opportunities and impacts in Brazil as an emerging economy. Research limitations/implications The study focused only on digital technologies and a broader analysis of other factors (e.g. social ones) may be necessary to support supporting the digital transition of agriculture. Originality/value Although digital technologies have been applied to improve the performance of agricultural operations, the literature reports no studies that systematically detail their application in the context of Agtechs, proposing taxonomies within barriers, critical factors and performance indicators, or that frame these constructs within the Brazilian scenario.
Purpose This study aims to investigate key determinants influencing the intention of small meat-based food businesses to continue implementing the halal food standard (HFS). In addition, this study examines the mediating role of owner commitment and identifies necessary conditions for HFS continuance intention. Design/methodology/approach The study integrates the technology–organization–environment (TOE) framework and the expectation-confirmation model (ECM) to explain HFS continuance intention. Using a survey from small halal-certified meat-based food businesses, this study applies partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and necessary condition analysis (NCA) to analyze the data. Findings The PLS-SEM results indicate that HFS continuance intention is driven by environmental factors (regulation, competition, and perceived consumer demand) and satisfaction, with owner commitment mediating the effects of perceived benefit, compatibility, regulation, and competition on continuance intention. NCA results further demonstrate that perceived benefit, owner commitment, and all environmental variables are necessary conditions for HFS continuance intention. Research limitations/implications The findings of this study may be context-specific to the research area, which could limit their generalizability. Originality/value This research extends the literature on agri-food certification systems through novel contextual, theoretical, and methodological contributions. Contextually, it examines a specific topic. Theoretically, it expands the applicability of ECM to the HFS context through a unified framework, TOE–ECM. Methodologically, it combines sufficiency and necessity perspectives to differentiate between the driving and necessary factors of HFS continuance intention.
Purpose Lac, a natural resin secreted by Kerria lacca, is an ecologically sustainable non-timber forest product with substantial yet under-utilised economic and employment potential for India's tribal communities. This study empirically examines the determinants of income and employment generation from lac cultivation among tribal households in Jharkhand, with special emphasis on the roles of cultivation technique adopted, institutional support and market access. Design/methodology/approach Primary data were collected from tribal households involved in lac cultivation in Jharkhand and analysed using the ordinary least squares method and the Instrument Variable Two-Stage Least Squares (2SLS) approach. Findings The findings reveal that the scientific method of lac cultivation leads to an increase in income generated from lac cultivation. Effective utilisation of host trees and access to higher-tier markets further amplify income gains. Regarding employment, Kusum and Ber trees had a substantial positive relationship with labour utilisation, with higher host tree diversity further enhancing employment generation. Research limitations/implications The analysis is based on micro-level data from two districts in Jharkhand, which may limit the generalisability of the findings to other lac-growing regions. Thus, future studies involving panel data or multi-state samples could provide deeper insights. Originality/value The study provides novel econometric evidence on the mechanisms through which lac cultivation enhances rural income and employment, using recent primary household-level data from Jharkhand and offers evidence-based insights for strengthening lac-based livelihoods among tribal communities.
Purpose The study investigates the influence of Subjective Financial Literacy on the adoption of financial management practices among small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owner managers. Specifically, it examines how perceived financial competence impacts four key domains: Working Capital Management Practices, Financing Practices, Capital Budgeting Practices and Financial Reporting Practices. The objective is to assess whether subjective financial literacy acts as a meaningful factor associated with of financial behavior within entrepreneurial settings. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was employed using data collected from SME owner managers. The analysis was conducted using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to evaluate the structural relationships between Subjective Financial Literacy and the four dependent constructs. Reliability, validity, multicollinearity and predictive relevance were assessed to ensure robustness of the model. Findings The results revealed statistically significant positive relationships between Subjective Financial Literacy and all four financial management practices (β = 0.282–0.375, p < 0.001), with the model explaining between 7.9% and 14.0% of variance across domains. The strongest effects were observed in Working Capital Management Practices and Financing Practices, suggesting that self-perceived financial competence plays a greater role in domains involving operational liquidity and funding decisions. The influence on Capital Budgeting and Financial Reporting Practices, though significant, was more moderate, indicating that formalized or externally governed processes may dilute the behavioral impact of perceived literacy. Research limitations/implications This study is based on cross-sectional data, which limits causal interpretation of the observed relationships. Longitudinal research is needed to assess whether improvements in subjective financial literacy produce sustained changes in financial management behavior over time. Additionally, the study focused solely on SME owner-managers, which may constrain generalizability to larger firms or other sectors. Future research should investigate moderating variables such as firm size, digital financial tool adoption and access to finance to better understand the contextual boundaries within which subjective financial literacy influences financial practice adoption. Originality/value This study contributes to the growing body of research on behavioral finance and SME capability by empirically validating the role of Subjective Financial Literacy as a domain sensitive predictor of financial practice adoption. It emphasizes the necessity of integrating psychological constructs such as perceived competence into financial literacy programs and policy interventions targeting SMEs.
Purpose This study aims to examine the determinants of rice combine harvester adoption and evaluate its impact on rice yield and crop income among smallholder farmers in Banten, Indonesia. It addresses the persistent challenge of low mechanization adoption by assessing both the drivers and the welfare effects of this technology. Design/methodology/approach Using survey data from 497 farm households, the study employs an endogenous switching regression (ESR) model to address selection bias and unobserved heterogeneity, complemented by propensity score matching (PSM) for robustness checks. The adoption decision is modeled through a probit framework with valid exclusion restrictions. Findings Adoption is significantly influenced by farming experience, access to extension services, farm size, participation in training, group membership, mobile phone ownership and location. ESR results show that adoption increases rice yield by 5.7% and crop income by 20.9%. PSM estimates confirm these positive and significant effects. Adoption reduces harvest losses, improves labor efficiency and increases farm profitability. Research limitations/implications The study relies on cross-sectional data, which limits its ability to capture dynamic adoption behavior or long-term impacts. Future research could integrate panel data or experimental approaches to strengthen causal inference. Nevertheless, the findings highlight key policy levers for information access, credit and mechanization services to accelerate the adoption of mechanization. Unlike biological yield improvements driven by input use, mechanized harvesting technologies primarily reduce yield losses during harvesting. Originality/value While previous studies have examined the role of combine harvesters in reducing yield losses, many fail to distinguish clearly between biological yield and yield loss reduction across production stages. Moreover, limited empirical studies explicitly integrate this conceptual distinction into impact evaluation frameworks. This study contributes to the literature by providing empirically grounded evidence on the role of combine harvester use as a harvest-stage efficiency-enhancing technology, focusing on its effects on effective yield and farm income among smallholder farmers.
Purpose The study sought to determine the extent to which profitability mediates the relationship between government support for small scale farming (SSF) and food security. Design/methodology/approach The authors used the quantitative research method and the design was a cross-sectional survey. The study obtained the sample of the respondents from small-scale farmers in North East, North central and South West Nigeria using a questionnaire as the data collection instrument. Convergent and divergent techniques served to assure of the validity of the instrument while composite reliability served as the reliability of the instrument. The data were analysed using structural equation modelling. Findings Results showed that government’s provision of subsidies for farm inputs and low-cost credits significantly influence the profitability of small-scale farmers and thus enhances food security. In addition, the profitability of farming mediates the relationship between government’s support for SSF and food security as the profitability of farming motivates people to farm with the expectation of profitable returns. The study makes a theoretical and empirical contribution to knowledge. Research limitations/implications The first limitation is the restriction of the contributors to members of cooperative societies. The study relied on members of cooperative societies to ensure objectivity as well as to facilitate accessibility to farmers in the area. The non-inclusion of farmers that are not members of cooperative societies is a constraint. A third limitation was the non-availability of records, kept by local farmers, of their activities especially as related to government support. However, the farmers’ experiences and answers were instrumental in getting the necessary information. Social implications Adequate provision of food will enhance food security and lead to zero hunger consistent with Sustainable Development Goal 2. This will help to eliminate frustration and the attendant social vices. Originality/value The integration of the theory of how government support for agriculture affects productivity and the theory of net farm exit to explain how government support for SSF contributes to food security. Secondly, although some of the extant studies imply profitability, this study is about the first to use profitability to mediate the relationship between government support for SSF and food security. Lastly, the proposed model of government support for SSF and food security provides useful insights that can contribute to policymaking for the enhancement of agricultural productivity.
Purpose This study examined models of success and patterns of fragmentation in the implementation of the Agricultural Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy (ASTGS) 2019–2029 and the National Horticulture Policy (NHP) 2012. Design/methodology/approach This study used a qualitative approach, with a purposive sample of 15 participants from five counties in Kenya. The Five Streams Framework (FSF) provides the theoretical basis for this analysis. Findings The results showed effective outcomes in the sorghum and macadamia value chains, while fragmentation occurred in both the National Fertilizer Subsidy Program (NFSP) and the horticultural value chain. These divergent outcomes were shaped by the interplay of sustained political will, sectoral prioritization, focusing events, the active role of policy entrepreneurs, institutional coordination and implementation capacity. Research limitations/implications This study draws on policy implementation perspectives from farmers and institutional officials in selected Kenyan value chains, limiting its generalizability. However, the framework-driven findings are replicable to other developing economies facing resilience implementation gaps and provide a lens for future cross-country comparative studies. Originality/value This study provides insights into agricultural policy implementation by applying the FSF to examine successful and failed policy outcomes, offering a nuanced understanding of the mechanisms that shape resilience policy effectiveness in emerging economies.
Purpose This study examines how governance structures and power dynamics shape value capture and inequality in Tanzania's seafood value chains across domestic, regional, and global markets. Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews were administered to 232 value chain actors; fishers, processors, and traders. Key informant interviews and focus group discussions were also undertaken. Data were analysed through thematic analysis, with primarily inductive coding, interpretation guided by GVC governance, power, and inequality frameworks. Descriptive statistics complemented the qualitative findings. Validity was ensured through pilot testing and triangulation. Findings Governance varies across filaments supplying domestic, regional, and global markets. In the small pelagic chain, captive governance operates through credit-debt dependency, concentrating bargaining power among traders. In the crustacean chain, institutional power structures participation through compliance-based export requirements. Across both chains, fishers and processors are adversely incorporated, limiting upgrading and stabilising returns for downstream actors. Research limitations/implications This study only covered marine fisheries. Power dynamics were not quantified. Future research should examine freshwater governance and quantify credit-based dependency. Originality/value Two theoretical contributions are made. First, in informal natural-resource sectors, governance operates through risk mediation and credit-based dependency rather than transaction complexity, as conventional GVC typologies assume. Second, filament-based analysis reveals that a single commodity system can exhibit multiple governance forms depending on market orientation heterogeneity obscured by chain-level classifications. These findings extend GVC theory toward informal and ecologically uncertain trade contexts.
Purpose This paper is based on a meta-regression analysis (MRA) of technical efficiency (TE) in crop production across India, synthesizing 448 observations from 140 studies published between 1991 and 2024. The analysis explores the extent to which methodological, crop-specific and regional factors explain variation in reported mean technical efficiency (MTE) estimates.Design/methodology/approach The current research uses an MRA framework to synthesize quantitative TE estimates for crop production across India. Three estimation approaches, Tobit, fractional regression model (FRM) and restricted maximum likelihood (REML), are employed to quantify the influence of study-level characteristics.Findings The results show an average MTE of 0.75, indicating significant potential to improve crop production efficiency. Studies using panel data, parametric models and more input variables tend to report higher efficiency scores than those using cross-sectional data and fewer input variables. At the same time, models with multiple outputs report a lower efficiency score than single-output models. Regional disparities are substantial: the southern region reports the highest efficiency levels, whereas eastern, central, western and northeastern regions show consistently lower scores. Crop-type effects are also evident - cash crops exhibit the highest efficiency relative to oilseeds, followed by cereal and pulse crops.Research limitations/implications The study relies on published literature, which may be subject to publication bias and regional data gaps. Additionally, differences in study design and variable definitions across source studies may affect comparability and the precision of meta-regression estimates.Originality/value This study provides the first large-scale MRA of TE in Indian crop production. It contributes original insights by revealing that methodological choices - such as the use of panel data, parametric models, and the number of input variables - significantly affect reported efficiency scores, while also highlighting regional and crop-specific disparities that inform targeted agricultural policy.
Purpose This study examines how psychological factors - specifically environmental concern and technological optimism - alongside economic and structural variables, influence Hungarian farmers' participation in agri-environmental schemes (AES). The research seeks to clarify the determinants of both the likelihood and intensity of AES adoption, and to assess whether these drivers operate universally or vary with farm characteristics.Design/methodology/approach Drawing on survey data from 423 Hungarian farms, the study applies semi-nonparametric logit and zero-inflated Poisson models to analyze the effects of attitudinal, economic and structural variables on both AES participation and adoption intensity. The analysis further explores whether psychological factors interact with farm size, farmer age and subsidy level.Findings Technological optimism emerges as a robust and consistent predictor of both AES participation and adoption intensity, while environmental concern alone does not significantly influence actual engagement. Structural factors such as farm size, subsidies and soil quality remain important: smaller, better-supported farms and those with higher soil quality are more likely to participate. Interaction effects indicate that the influence of technological optimism is largely independent of farm context.Research limitations/implications This study highlights the importance of integrating psychological factors - particularly technological optimism - into models of agri-environmental behaviour, offering a more comprehensive understanding beyond traditional economic explanations. The consistent role of technological optimism suggests that future research should explore its causal mechanisms and interactions with other behavioural constructs, such as risk perception and innovation adoption. The findings also underscore the need for interdisciplinary approaches combining behavioural economics, rural sociology and environmental policy. Longitudinal and comparative studies across countries could clarify the temporal and contextual dynamics of adoption patterns, enhancing the external validity and policy relevance of behavioural insights in agricultural research.Originality/value This study is among the first to directly compare the roles of technological optimism and environmental concern in the context of agri-environmental policy using advanced empirical models and a comprehensive dataset. It highlights the value of integrating behavioural insights into agricultural policy design.
Purpose Agriculture in Wayanad faces risks such as erratic rainfall, climate change, wildlife encroachment and landslides, impacting farmers' resilience. This study explores farmers' adaptation strategies, highlighting crop diversification and crop insurance adoption. Design/methodology/approach The study gathered data from 336 households through multistage random sampling. Crop diversification was measured with the Simpson Index, and a weighted least squares (WLS) model analysed the influencing factors. A binary logit model identified the determinants of crop insurance adoption. Findings The study shows that 44.94% of respondents practice moderate crop diversification, with an average Simpson Index of 0.46. Factors like age, education, family income, land size, access to technical advice and cattle ownership negatively impact diversification, while family size, non-farm income and agricultural extension services have a positive effect. Although 54.46% of farmers are willing to adopt crop insurance, only 31.5% have done so. Logit regression analysis indicates that education, risk perception and awareness positively influence the willingness to adopt crop insurance. Research limitations/implications The study is limited to regions similar to Wayanad and may not be generalisable to other regions with different agro-climatic conditions. Originality/value This study develops a unified framework for agrarian resilience, examining how socioeconomic and institutional factors, as well as access to technical services, influence farmers' distress mitigation strategies. The findings offer insights for coordinated policy interventions to enhance agricultural resilience in climate-vulnerable regions like Wayanad.
Purpose This study investigates the factors influencing Malaysian urbanites' intentions and adoption of hydroponic farming to address urban food security in Malaysia, where rapid urbanization has reduced available land for traditional agriculture. Design/methodology/approach By applying the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), an online survey collected responses from 250 urban residents across various regions applying convenience sampling method. The collected data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Findings Findings indicate that attitude and hydroponic compatibility significantly impact adoption intentions, while both perceived trust and adoption intention strongly influence actual adoption. The results of this study indicate that attitude (AT), hydroponic compatibility (HC) and perceived trust (PT) significantly influence the intention (IT) to adopt hydroponic farming, notably, PT has a substantial effect size (f2 = 0.402). Additionally, intention (IT) significantly impacts actual adoption (AD) of hydroponic farming, with a medium effect size (f2 = 0.192). However, performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE) and social influence (SI) did not significantly impact adoption intentions. Research limitations/implications Theoretically, this study extends the UTAUT model by integrating cognitive factors – attitude, hydroponic compatibility and perceived trust enhancing its applicability in urban agriculture. Practically, it provides actionable insights for policymakers and marketers to design targeted campaigns and support systems to boost hydroponic farming adoption in urban Malaysia. Originality/value These insights offer a framework for advancing urban agricultural practices, helping practitioners, policymakers and marketers to effectively promote sustainable hydroponic farming initiatives in developing urban areas.
Purpose Ghana has experienced persistent food inflation, which undermines food security and household welfare. To address rising food costs, the government launched the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) programme in 2017, with implementation continuing beyond its initial 2017-2020 phase. This study examines whether the PFJ programme coincided with a statistically significant change in food inflation in Ghana, and whether any such change was sustained over time.Design/methodology/approach The study employs a multivariate interrupted time-series analysis (ITSA) using monthly data from January 2006 to April 2023. The model controls for four confounding variables: the Ghana cedi/USD exchange rate, the FAO Global Food Price Index, a monthly rainfall index and non-food CPI. Both Newey-West and Prais-Winsten estimators are used to ensure robustness to autocorrelation and heteroskedasticity.Findings After controlling for macroeconomic and climatic confounders, the PFJ programme was associated with an immediate, statistically significant reduction in food inflation. However, food inflation trended upward in subsequent months, indicating that the initial impact was not sustained. This long-run reversal is consistent with the programme's structural limitations, including budget shortfalls, weak marketing support and the compounding effects of external shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic and global energy price increases in 2021-2022.Research limitations/implications The findings suggest that while input subsidy programmes may reduce food inflation in the short term, sustaining these gains requires greater attention to the programme's implementation efficiency and resilience to macroeconomic shocks.Originality/value This study employs a multivariate ITSA framework to assess the impact of the PFJ programme on food inflation, while controlling for confounders overlooked in prior analyses. It provides one of the first empirical assessments of the PFJ's macro-level impact on food price dynamics. It offers evidence-based insights for agricultural policy design in Ghana and comparable developing economies.
Purpose This study identifies the determinants of livelihood diversification among rice farming households in climate-vulnerable areas of Central Vietnam by applying an integrated perspective drawn from the Sustainable Livelihood Framework, Portfolio Theory, Risk Management Theory, and Household Decision-Making Theory. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 278 households randomly selected from a population of 5,194 rice farming households in Thua Thien Hue province. A binary logistic regression model examined how diversification participation is associated with livelihood capital endowments (human, natural, physical, financial, and social) as well as socioeconomic and contextual factors, including vulnerability (climate-change perception and idiosyncratic risks), transformation processes (transportation and urbanisation), and policy/institutional factors (extension services, government support, and credit access). Findings Diversification is associated with substantial welfare differentials, with income increasing by 54% for simple strategies and up to 371.5% for comprehensive multi-activity approaches. Diversification is more likely among households with higher education, better transportation access, greater mobility, and stronger exposure to urbanisation opportunities, while larger farm size, debt, and climate-change perception are associated with lower diversification likelihood. Research limitations/implications Cross-sectional design limits causal inference, though robust theoretical foundation enhances confidence in findings. Geographic scope is limited to Central Vietnam, but careful site selection ensures broader applicability to similar agro-ecological contexts facing climate vulnerability. Originality/value The study provides context-specific evidence on diversification determinants in climate-vulnerable rice systems in Central Vietnam and demonstrates the value of integrating multiple theoretical lenses to improve the policy interpretability of diversification participation under risk and constraints.
Purpose This study examines the relationships between regulatory, financial and market obstacles and firms’ innovation performance in the food industry of a developing country. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on survey data obtained from 229 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the Tanzanian food industry. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire with Likert-scale items designed to measure innovation obstacles and firm innovation performance. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was employed to analyse the hypothesised relationships. Findings The results indicate a positive association between regulatory obstacles and financial and market obstacles and a negative relationship with firm innovation performance. Further results reveal that financial obstacles are negatively associated with innovation performance, whereas market obstacles have a positive relationship with innovation performance. Overall, this study reinforces the view that innovation obstacles can both hinder and stimulate firms’ innovation performance. Research limitations/implications This study collected data from the Tanzanian food industry only. Hence, the generalisability of the findings is not guaranteed, considering that the degree of perceptions and impact of obstacles to innovation varies with contexts. Originality/value This study contributes to the existing literature by taking a different approach and exploring the relationship between regulatory obstacles and other innovation obstacles, in addition to being a direct inhibitor of firm innovation performance.
PurposeThis study investigates the integration of corn prices between Brazil and the United States from 2000 to 2023, with emphasis on seasonal dynamics driven by the expansion of Brazil's winter corn crop.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis employs a dynamic cointegration framework using recursive and rolling window tests based on the Johansen methodology. Daily spot and futures price data from both countries were examined to identify time-varying patterns in long-run price relationships.FindingsResults show a higher incidence of price cointegration in the second half of the year, aligned with Brazil's main corn export season. This pattern is especially strong in 2020-2022, when cointegration episodes concentrate between October and January. In contrast, first-semester months - particularly April, May and June - display markedly fewer integration days.Research limitations/implicationsThe analysis identifies when integration occurs but does not model the structural drivers of parameter changes. Future research may examine how seasonal integration affects basis behavior and risk management in Brazil's corn market.Social implicationsUnderstanding seasonal price integration can improve risk management and support more efficient and resilient food systems in emerging economies.Originality/valueThis study shows that price integration between Brazil and the United States is seasonal. Using a rolling Johansen approach with daily data (2000-2023), it demonstrates that long-run linkages occur more frequently in the second half of the year, in line with the expansion of Brazil's winter crop and export concentration.
Purpose This conceptual commentary examines how the "circular economy" principles can be integrated into the European Union's "Farm-to-Fork" strategy to address food waste within the broader sustainability agenda. It investigates how the "circular economy action plan" complements the "Common Agricultural Policy's" environmental objectives and how systemic innovation, urban-rural linkages and stakeholder participation can support food waste prevention. The work aims to conceptually advance the understanding of "circular economy"-agri-food policy interfaces and provides a foundation for enhancing food waste mitigation through policy alignment, sustainable business models and behavioural shifts in European food systems.Design/methodology/approach The current work adopts a conceptual and policy-analytic approach, examining the relationship between "circular economy" principles, food waste dynamics and European policy frameworks, including the "Farm-to-Fork" strategy, the "Green Deal" and the revised "Common Agricultural Policy". It draws on discourse analysis to highlight cultural, social and behavioural dimensions shaping food waste generation and reduction. Through synthesising policy documents and academic literature, this analysis identifies institutional mechanisms, governance pathways and strategic synergies necessary for a transition towards circular and resilient agri-food systems in Europe.Findings The analysis demonstrates that "circular economy" principles provide a robust foundation for reducing food waste across the agri-food supply chain, aligning economic, environmental and social goals. The synergy between the "circular economy action plan" and the "Farm-to-Fork" strategy enhances resource efficiency, policy coherence and sustainability outcomes, particularly when supported by the new "Common Agricultural Policy" conditionality and eco-schemes. The study also highlights the vital role of small and medium enterprises, digitalisation and stakeholder cooperation in promoting circular practices, alongside the importance of cultural change and consumer awareness in achieving food waste reduction goals.Research limitations/implications This work is conceptual and policy-focused, emphasising European Union frameworks and not providing empirical case data. While acknowledging global food waste challenges, the analysis mainly reflects the European institutional context. Future work may include comparative assessments, implementation monitoring tools and empirical validation at various supply-chain stages. Nevertheless, the conceptual model enriches academic debate on sustainability transitions and supports further exploration of behavioural, technological and governance mechanisms in food waste mitigation within "circular economy"-oriented policy environments.Social implications Addressing food waste contributes to food security, equitable resource allocation and climate resilience, while encouraging cultural change and responsible consumption. Public awareness and community-based initiatives, especially in urban settings, support behavioural adaptation and local innovation. Reducing food waste also mitigates methane emissions and environmental externalities, enhancing societal well-being and promoting sustainable lifestyles aligned with European Union social and environmental ambitions. Originality/value This work conceptually links "circular economy" principles with the "Farm to Fork" strategy and "Common Agricultural Policy" sustainability reforms, framing food waste prevention as a systemic innovation challenge rather than solely a technical or regulatory issue. It advances scholarly discussion on circular transitions in agri-food systems by integrating policy, behavioural and cultural dimensions and highlighting small and medium enterprises and digital-technology roles. The study provides a unique analytical foundation for future research and policy design aimed at accelerating Europe's transition towards circular, resource-efficient and socially inclusive food systems. Its specific innovation lies in reframing food waste prevention as a policy field shaped simultaneously by circularity, governance asymmetries and cross-sectoral institutional coordination, thus extending the discussion beyond technical mitigation and into the terrain of sustainability transitions and implementation politics.
Purpose This paper compares production functions of Argentine wineries based on pursued wine quality, and evaluates technical efficiency within these groups, focusing on differences between exporters and non-exporters. Design/methodology/approach Survey data from 230 Argentine wineries are used to estimate production functions and assess technical efficiency through Stochastic Frontier Analysis. The analysis categorizes wineries by wine pursued quality and further segments them into exporters and non-exporters. Findings The findings highlight distinct production technologies and input intensities between wine producers. High-quality wineries rely more on labor and capital, unlike their low-quality counterparts that depend more on land surface and grape yields. Additionally, within the high-quality tier, exporters with high export intensity show a statistically significant efficiency advantage over non-exporters. Research limitations/implications The cross-sectional nature of the data limits the observation of changes over time and prevents addressing potential endogeneity between export status and efficiency. Panel data could offer deeper insights into the dynamic relationship between these factors and market performance. Originality/value This study reveals differences in production technology among wineries and underscores the role of product differentiation in international competitiveness. It also introduces a novel methodology for measuring pursued wine quality, contributing new insights to production and efficiency research.
Purpose Digital transformation in agriculture hinges less on initial adoption than on whether farmers continue to use smart technologies once novelty, incentives, or external pressures fade. Drawing on the Stimulus-Organism-Response framework, this study examines how six experiential and contextual stimuli shape farmers' Overall Perceived Value (OPV) of IoT technologies, and how OPV, in turn, drives their continuance intention to use (CIU).Design/methodology/approach Survey data from 410 Chinese farmers were analyzed using an integrated analytical approach, including PLS-SEM, Importance-Performance Map Analysis (IPMA), and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) to test hypothesized relationships, identify managerial priorities, and capture non-linear predictive patterns.Findings PLS-SEM shows that the six stimuli collectively explained 73.7% of the variance in OPV, with perceived enjoyment and facilitating conditions emerging as the strongest drivers. OPV, in turn, strongly predicted CIU, with monetary value being the key contributor. Conversely, ANN revealed that conditional value emerged as the most influential predictor of CIU, suggesting it may function as a threshold-like enabling condition whose weakness could reduce the benefits of other value dimensions.Originality/value This is among the first studies to model OPV as a higher-order formative construct explaining IoT continuance intention in agriculture, integrating linear and non-linear analytics to reveal threshold dynamics that conventional models may overlook.
Purpose Financial inclusion remains low among agricultural product retailers due to poor network, limited financial institutions, low education and income. Mobile money could bridge financial inclusion gap by digitalizing business transactions. We examined financial inclusion via mobile money adoption for business transactions among maize retailers. Design/methodology/approach Cross-sectional/primary data were obtained from maize retailers. Heckman selection model, fractional probit and ordered probit were employed. Findings Though almost all maize retailers used mobile money for personal transactions, majority did not use it for maize retail business, suggesting a financial inclusion gap. Maize retailers had positive perceptions about mobile money. Education, association membership, proximity to agents and being unbanked have positive associations with mobile money adoption, total transactions with mobile money and proportion of maize retail transactions done with mobile money. Maize retailers who perceive mobile money as easy to use, cheaper and faster adopt it for business transactions. Mobile money adoption is associated with higher monthly sales/retail volume of maize. Research limitations/implications Telecommunication networks should keep transaction charges low, especially for vulnerable groups like agricultural value chain actors and rural folks, and organize training programmes for them. Originality/value Studies that evaluate mobile money adoption for agricultural products trading in developing countries are uncommon.
