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AbstractVibrational spectroscopy is a nondestructive analysis technique that depends on the periodic variations in dipole moments and polarizabilities resulting from the molecular vibrations of molecules/atoms. These methods have important advantages over conventional analytical techniques, including (a) their simplicity in terms of implementation and operation, (b) their adaptability to on-line and on-farm applications, (c) making measurement in a few minutes, and (d) the absence of dangerous solvents throughout sample preparation or measurement. Food safety is a concept that requires the assurance that food is free from any physical, chemical, or biological hazards at all stages, from farm to fork. Continuous monitoring should be provided in order to guarantee the safety of the food. Regarding their advantages, vibrational spectroscopic methods, such as Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), near-infrared (NIR), and Raman spectroscopy, are considered reliable and rapid techniques to track food safety- and food authenticity-related issues throughout the food chain. Furthermore, coupling spectral data with chemometric approaches also enables the discrimination of samples with different kinds of food safety-related hazards. This review deals with the recent application of vibrational spectroscopic techniques to monitor various hazards related to various foods, including crops, fruits, vegetables, milk, dairy products, meat, seafood, and poultry, throughout harvesting, transportation, processing, distribution, and storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThis paper uses the mixed-methods approach to analyze farmer position in contract farming (CF) value chain, challenging simplistic “win-win” narratives that ignore power dynamics and “win-lose” ones that overlook economic factors. PepsiCo hires intermediaries as principal agents to control many smallholders, thereby reducing transaction costs and exerting control over quality raw materials. Through secure commissions to agents and fixed prices to farmers, PepsiCo transfers capital and production risks, respectively. The value chain analysis at each farming stage reveals that although CF addressed specific inputs and output constraints for smallholders, the unequal power dynamics and monopsony position of PepsiCo and intermediaries raise sustainability concerns. The existing unequal power relations within CF value chains underline the urgency of establishing a regulatory mechanism. Without such oversight, individual farmers may find it challenging to advocate for their interests in the face of corporations and intermediaries in cultivating high-value crops, for which demand is rising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a mathematical model for agri-food industry residual streams flow management, which serves as a decision support tool for optimizing their valorization. The aim is to determine, under a cost-benefit analysis approach, the best strategy at a global level. The proposed mathematical model provides the optimal valorization scenario, namely the set of routes followed by agri-food industry residual streams that maximizes the total profit obtained. The model takes into account the complete stoichiometry of the residual stream at each step of the valorization route. Furthermore, the model allows for the calculations of different scenarios to support decision-making. The proposed approach is illustrated through a case study using a real-case network of a region. The case study bears evidence that the use of the model can lead to significant profit increases compared to those obtained with current practices. Moreover, notable profit improvements are obtained in the case study if the selling price of all the value-added products considered increases or if the processing cost of the animal feed producer decreases. Therefore, our model enables the detection of key factors that influence the optimal strategy, making it a powerful decision-support tool for optimizing the valorization of agri-food industry residual streams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This paper investigates the horticulture crop value chain in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. It focuses on the different approaches to marketing used in Vidarbha and makes note of the fact that just 1 out of 10 farmers choose the farm-to-table model. Methods: A survey was conducted in order to gather the primary data employing a simple random sampling method. The survey was undertaken in four districts viz., Nagpur, Amravati, Bhandara and Wardha. The crops under investigation were banana, mango, lemon, orange/mandarin, tomato, potato and onion. Result: It was recorded that the projected amount of produce wasted was the highest at the retail level for tomato, potato, banana and mango crops, at the farm level for lemon and orange and at the wholesale level for onion. Moreover, the harvested crops are not properly stored until delivered due to lack of storage facilities. Farmers received less price due to low quality of produce and exploitation by the middlemen. At the farm level, it was recorded that 15-36% of the yield is lost due to pests/predators, unprecedented weather conditions and improper management. The supply chain faces several issues, including the scarcity of high-quality seeds, a lack of irrigation resources, unfavourable weather that ruins the produce, post-harvest losses, lack of storage facilities, price seasonality and market volatility. Numerous vertical coordination problems in the value chain could be resolved by the adoption of horticulture cooperatives and the creation of FPOs (Farmer Producer Organisations). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe present study analyzes the profiles of Ecuadorian companies according to the maturity of the value chain in the fields of planning, installed capacity, maintenance, and technology. Cluster analysis was used with a sample of 120 microenterprises located in the south of Ecuador. The study showed that technology is a differentiating factor in innovation performance, and planning is a factor highly related to the innovative and organizational performance levels in microenterprises. The findings contribute to the resource-based view (RBV) and provide relevant information for Ecuadorian enterprise managers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquefied natural gas (LNG), recognized as the fossil fuel with the lowest carbon emission intensity, is a crucial transitional energy source in the global shift towards low-carbon energy. As the natural gas industry undergoes rapid expansion, the complexity of investment business models has increased significantly. Optimizing the combination of various segments within the value chain has become standard practice, making it essential to control risks and enhance economic benefits in these multifaceted scenarios. This paper introduces an integrated economic model encompassing upstream, liquefaction, shipping, regasification, and consumption, suitable for both upstream and downstream integration. The model offers a comprehensive analysis of the primary business models and key factors across each segment of the value chain. By constructing a robust economic evaluation framework, the study aims to provide a holistic approach to understanding the economic feasibility of LNG projects. Two detailed case studies are conducted to demonstrate the application and effectiveness of the proposed model, highlighting its capability to guide investment decisions, support risk management, and optimize asset portfolios. The integrated economic model developed in this study serves as a valuable tool for stakeholders in the LNG industry. It not only facilitates informed investment decision-making but also enhances the strategic management of risks and resources. By leveraging this model, investors and managers can better navigate the complexities of the LNG business, ensuring sustainable and economically viable operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Roots, tubers and cooking bananas are bulky and highly perishable. In Africa, except for yams, their consumption is mainly after transport, peeling and cooking in the form of boiled pieces or dough, a few days after harvest. To stabilize and better preserve the products and, in the case of cassava, release toxic cyanogenic glucosides, a range of intermediate products have been developed, mainly for cassava, related to fermentation and drying after numerous processing operations. This review highlights, for the first time, the impact of genotypes on labour requirements, productivity and the associated drudgery in processing operations primarily carried out by women processors. Peeling, soaking/grinding/fermentation, dewatering, sieving and toasting steps were evaluated on a wide range of new hybrids and traditional landraces. The review highlights case studies of gari production from cassava. The results show that, depending on the genotypes used, women's required labour can be more than doubled and even the sum of the weights transported along the process can be up to four times higher for the same quantity of end product. Productivity and loads carried between each processing operation are highly influenced by root shape, ease of peeling, dry matter content and/or fiber content. Productivity and the often related experienced drudgery are key factors to be considered for a better acceptance of new genotypes by actors in the value‐addition chain, leading to enhanced adoption and ultimately to improved livelihoods for women processors. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This 4‐year study (2018–2021) aimed at investigating the effects of flowering areas inserted at the margin of soft wheat fields (Triticum aestivum L.) in comparison with spontaneous field margins. The action formed part of a multidisciplinary initiative promoted by the Barilla food company, aimed at promoting the sustainable production of soft wheat. Specific aims were to study the effects of flowering areas on (i) the abundance and species richness of insect pollinators, including wild bees, syrphids and butterflies; (ii) the levels of wheat aphid and bug infestations and (iii) the assemblages of biological control agents of aphids (coccinellids and aphid mummies as a result of parasitization). Insect surveys were carried out on 61 wheat‐growing farms located in Northern Italy. Insect pollinators were sampled on all farms, whereas wheat aphids, wheat bugs and aphid biological control agents were investigated in a sub‐sample of 20 farms. Results generally indicated a positive impact of flowering areas on multiple taxa in comparison with spontaneous field margins. The abundance of pollinators and coccinellids was significantly enhanced by the flowering areas. Aphid mummies showed an interaction between strategies and distances with more mummies at 5 m in wheat plots close to flowering areas and at 50 m in the plots close to spontaneous field margin (control). Flowering areas were validated as an important tool for promoting beneficial taxa in agro‐ecosystems. However, the successful establishment of this ecological infrastructure was suggested to rely on several factors, which included both the selection of suitable flowering plant species and the implementation of appropriate management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent renaissance of industrial hemp has been driven by a plethora of ecologically amicable products and their profitability. To identify its environment and economic fate across the value chain (VC), this study conducts a systematic review of 98 studies published in ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Scopus‐indexed journals. The thematic content of the articles is categorized using three deductively derived classification categories: lifecycle analysis (n = 40), VC analysis (n = 30), and feasibility analysis (n = 28). Bibliometric analysis indicates that the majority (>90%) of the studies were conducted in selected regions of Europe or North America, with further findings around regionally prioritized industrial hemp products, such as hempcrete in Southwest Europe, solid biofuel in North European states, and textile fiber and bio‐composites in East Europe and North America. Lifecycle analysis studies highlight nitrogenous fertilizer use during industrial hemp cultivation as a major ecological hotspot, which is taking a toll on the climate change index. However, hemp‐based products are generally climate‐friendly solutions when contrasted against their fossil fuel counterparts, with hempcrete in particular a highly touted carbon‐negative (−4.28 to −36.08 kg CO2 eq/m2) product. The review also identifies key issues within the hemp VC and presents innovative solutions alongside the recognition of value‐adding opportunities. Furthermore, feasibility analysis indicates unprofitability in using hemp for bioenergy production and there is a relative cost worthiness of hemp bio‐composites and hempcrete at the upstream level. Positive returns are observed under co‐production schemes. In contemplating the literature findings, we discussed and identified gap in existing literature for future exploration, including more studies to provide insights from the Global South, and the production of industrial hemp under a biophysically constrained landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The globalization of economies has added many new challenges to global agriculture. Agriculture not only needs to compete in foreign markets but also in domestic markets. The production and export of tree tomatoes remain extremely weak in Rwanda despite horticulture sector-specific economic policies in favour of the production and export of horticultural crops by the government of Rwanda. The goal of this study was to analyse the competitive performance of Rwanda's tree tomato value chain to shape the tree tomato industry in Rwanda for the benefit of smallholder farmers and the Rwandan Economy. One hundred twenty (120) respondents were surveyed for this study using a semi-structured questionnaire and focus group discussions. Participants were stratified into groups as traders (80), institutional consumers (12), and household consumers (28) all from Bugesera, Nyabihu, Rubavu districts and Kigali markets (Nyabugogo, Nyarugenge and Kimironko). Key enablers (International Centre for Research in Agroforestry, Rwanda Agricultural Board, National Agricultural Export Board, and Ministry of Commerce and Financial institutions) provided useful information related to the tree tomato value chain in Rwanda. The findings of this study show that factors that hamper the tree tomato value chain competitiveness in Rwanda are related to bargaining power. Overall 63% of respondents who were tree tomato suppliers and 58.43% of respondents who were tree tomato buyers agreed that the bargaining power of suppliers and buyers hamper the competitiveness of the value chain. The study found that 70% of traders and 57% of consumers and institutional consumers preferred the tree tomato. Therefore, tree tomato is highly linked to consumers, traders, and institutions than banana which is the 38th fruit highly scored. The severity of the threat to the tree tomato industry is new entrants into the tree tomato industry, the intensity of rivalry in existing key competitors, and the severity of the threat of substitutes. The strategies proposed to improve on the competitiveness of the tree tomato industry comprise of improving collaboration of tree tomato chain actors. This study found that 75.69% of the sampled key actors agree that the highest criteria to be considered are the product quality, and 64.74% of the sampled key actors settled on product quality as the least criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeMethodology/ApproachFindingsPractical implicationsOriginality/Value/ContributionDigital platforms represent a major technological change that affects the entire value chain of a company and requires digital resources and a flexible organizational structure. Given the resource limitations that SMEs have, it is interesting to find out to what extent they have adopted digital platforms. The aim of this paper is to explore the level of SMEs’ digitalization and how sophisticated these businesses are in using various digital platforms in primary and secondary value creation activities. Additionally, we set out to identify clusters with different needs and behaviors when considering digital platforms.To address these research questions, we conducted a survey using a quota sampling procedure to reflect the SMEs’ structure in size and industry. We analyzed the data collected from 194 respondents using a two-step clustering procedure to identify different groups of SMEs with respect to the use of digital platforms. For business activities, we used Porter’s value chain and for assessing the adoption rate, we applied the Moore and Benbasat scale to measure adopters’ perceptions of the technology.Most SMEs use general digital platforms while less than 20% have developed their own platforms or use the platforms of business partners. Organizations with a hybrid structure use the largest number of digital platforms, while enterprises with a fluid structure use the fewest. Companies are using their own platforms or partners’ platforms for primary activities while for support activities are employing general platforms. The most important factor which influences the adoption rate of digital platforms is the image and then comes the advantages they bring. Regarding the clusters, four distinct groups were identified with specific value creation behaviors Digital Pathfinders, Basic Techies, Tech Blend, and Flexible Adopters.Practical implications concern both the companies that use digital platforms and the companies that develop them. From the user perspective, this study sets a benchmark for different industries and presents the most common practices Regarding the companies that develop digital platforms, it is important to know the main deterrence factors, namely the lack of testing possibilities and the difficulty in choosing the most suitable solution. Taking into account the specific needs of the four clusters, developers can adapt their product and value proposition to stimulate the adoption of the digital platform.This paper contributes to research on digital platforms in the context of transformational entrepreneurship related to crisis or catastrophic events such as pandemics or wars. Furthermore, it adds to existing literature on digital transformation by providing recommendations considering specific value chain activities. Although there are numerous studies on digital platforms, most of them come from developed countries, which makes them less relevant for developing/underdeveloped ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study analyzed yam value chain among small holder farmers in South South Nigeria, with specific objectives of estimating the profit margin and examining the factors that affect the profit margin of the yam value chain actors. Gross and marketing margins, marketing efficiency and multiple regression analyses were used to realize the objectives. Data from eighty, fifty and sixty yam producers, processors and marketers, respectively were collected with the use of questionnaires. Results of analyses showed that the gross margin of yam producers was ₦554,133.3/ha and 35% of which went into operating expenses. That of processors was ₦154, 877.58 with 47% operating expenses and ₦96,0752.68 with 66% operating expenses for marketers respectively. Marketing margin of yam processors was estimated to be 0.332 (33.2%) and a marketing efficiency of 58.65%, which meant that the yam processors gained ₦58.65 kobo for every naira spent on processed yam. The marketing margin of yam marketers was estimated as 42.1% and a marketing efficiency of 54% meaning that yam marketers gained ₦0.546 (54.6 kobo) for every naira spent on marketing yam in the area. Factors that affected the profit margin of the yam producers were age, household size, education, farm size and access to credit. Age, level of education and processing experience influenced the profit margin of yam processors, while household size, level of education, marketing experience and membership of association influenced the profit margin of yam marketers. Nonetheless, the yam value chain actors made appreciable profit. Following the results, the following are recommended: because of the good profit margins of the actors, more people should be encouraged to become actors in the yam value chain and education of yam value actors should be encouraged to give them more capacity to use innovation in their business. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adoption of green control technologies in agriculture is an important approach to ensure the quality and safety of agricultural products, address agricultural pollution from its source, and promote increased productivity and income in agriculture, thereby driving high-quality agricultural development. This paper is based on production and operation data from 2,155 tea farmers in 16 major tea-producing provinces in China. Using an endogenous transformation model from the perspective of the value chain, it empirically analyzes the impact of adopting green control technologies on tea farmers' income and draws three conclusions. First, the adoption of green control technologies significantly promotes income growth for tea farmers. Second, the awareness of tea farmers regarding pesticide residue limits and the exchange of pest control techniques among tea farmers significantly enhance the adoption of green control technologies. Third, the income effects of adopting green control technologies differ across different stages of the value chain, with the income growth in the cultivation stage being lower than that in the processing and marketing stages. Finally, based on the analysis and relevant research by scholars, four targeted suggestions are proposed: (1) Increase efforts to promote the adoption of green control technologies and enhance farmers' willingness to adopt them. (2) Promote education and training on green control technologies for tea farmers. (3) Ensure fair distribution of benefits along the agricultural value chain. (4) Strengthen the promotion of green control technologies at the market and consumer end. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article contributes to developing and consolidating research on the connections between food and gentrification while highlighting the effects of these processes in areas beyond urban life. To achieve this, we draw on the concept of value chains connecting gentrified neighborhoods to rural agricultural communities. In this chain, processes of valorization and devaluation are generated, which unevenly affect the actors involved in the production and consumption of food. The paper focuses on the conflicts and contestations along the value chain of gentrification, putting interdisciplinary contributions into dialogue while presenting four cases from secondary sources. These cases are illustrative of how these processes operate at different levels, territories, and scales: signature coffee, as a symbol of distinction in gentrified neighborhoods; the avocado from its gastronomic manifestation as avocado toast; wine, from the touristification of its production to valorization strategies in urban consumption; and quinoa, from the patenting of new varieties to the development of markets that exclude large sectors of the population. The boom in the circulation of these foods has the effect of capital accumulation by dispossession in both rural and urban areas and in both production and consumption processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing food waste could lower pressures on land resources and thereby contribute to the mitigation of global biodiversity loss. The reduction of food waste and biodiversity loss are also specified in the Sustainable Development Goals 12.3 and 15 of the United Nations. However, which supply chain stages and food products to target with policy measures is hardly known. Especially, a differentiation of the impact after sub‐stages and taxa is still missing and is therefore quantified in the present study. The food waste mass at five supply chain stages and seven sub‐stages in Germany was calculated and differentiated after 204 food products. All products were traced back to their countries of origin, in which their land use impact on mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and plants was quantified. A new approach was developed to calculate the detailed feed demand for animal products. Germany's avoidable food waste (food that was edible before its disposal) leads to 0.3 vertebrate and 1.5 plant species being potentially lost globally. Household‐level waste is responsible for 47% of this species loss, while food services show the largest impact per mass, with individual catering being as influential as one‐person households. The most influential products are obtained from pigs and cattle. Among vertebrate taxa, mainly amphibians are affected, occurring in the mainly affected country Brazil. The results can be used to formulate policies that target, for example, individual catering or display the impact of animal products and their feed demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have recently witnessed the emergence of many farm certification schemes whose common objective is to identify and promote certain agroecological practices with a view to attaining environmental goals and meeting consumer expectations. Our study evaluated how farmers are economically impacted when adopting France's voluntary high environmental value (HEV) certification scheme. Focusing on multiple crop types and interacting with multiple stakeholders, we estimated the added costs and coordination requirements engendered by HEV certification. Our results show that these costs can increase in a crop-dependent manner. Thus, to further encourage the spread of the HEV certification scheme, it is essential to improve coordination and cost-sharing among value-chain stakeholders. In its latest CAP Strategic Plan, France proposed supporting HEV-certified farms via the European Union's eco-scheme instrument, which should provide an additional boost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the Sustainable Development Goals outlined in the 2030 agenda of the United Nations, affordable and clean energy is one of the most relevant goals to achieve the decarbonization targets and break down the global climate change effects. The use of renewable energy sources, namely, solar energy, is gaining attention and market share due to reductions in investment costs. Nevertheless, it is important to overcome the energy storage problems, mostly in industrial applications. The integration of photovoltaic power plants with hydrogen production and its storage for further conversion to usable electricity are an interesting option from both the technical and economic points of view. The main objective of this study is to analyse the potential for green hydrogen production and storage through PV production, based on technical data and operational considerations. We also present a conceptual model and the configuration of a PV power plant integrated with hydrogen production for industry supply. The proposed power plant configuration identifies different pathways to improve energy use: supply an industrial facility, supply the hydrogen production and storage unit, sell the energy surplus to the electrical grid and provide energy to a backup battery. One of the greatest challenges for the proposed model is the component sizing and water electrolysis process for hydrogen production due to the operational requirements and the technology costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attempts to ensure safety and quality control in the Day-Old Chicks (DOCs) value chain in Nigeria have been perceived to involve some duplicity/multiplicity of roles and/ or responsibilities, putting undue burden on the actors. Therefore, experts' workshop on the DOCs value chain in Oyo State was implemented by the Innovation Lab for Policy Leadership in Agriculture and Food Security (PiLAF) to provide a guide for agenda setting for building a better industry. The workshop had the dual purpose of (i) undertaking a situational analysis of the DOCs value chain in Oyo State, Nigeria, and (ii) strengthening the policy process to effectively respond to the needs of the DOCs value chain in the state through clearly defined, unambiguous regulations and regulatory processes. Twenty-four experts comprising major actors along the DOCs value chain in Oyo State participated in the workshop. Using brainstorming and consensus building process, participants identified infrastructure and markets (strengths), weak regulatory control and high operating cost (weaknesses); supply gap, and good return on investment (opportunities); including adulteration and sharp practices (threats) as the most important Strength, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) factors influencing or capable of affecting the DOCs industry in the state. The DOCs value chain operators identified National Institute of Animal Science (NIAS) followed by the Veterinary Council of Nigeria as the most visible operators in the DOCs value chain. However, the operators perceived the activities of the regulatory bodies as more geared toward revenue generation than actually enforcing compliance to standard practices in the industry. The value chain actors affirm there are overlaps in some aspects of policy guidelines for the DOCs value chain by the Veterinary Council of Nigeria and NIAS leading to what may be described as double taxation to the disadvantage of the actors. Specifically, registration and licensing, prohibition, and import and export domains are some of the aspects of the policy documents that need some minor modifications for clarity and separation of roles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The demand for apiary products in a global market is increasing, while the beekeeping sector still faces multiple challenges, in particular in developing countries. For example, Ethiopia, despite belonging already to world's top producers of honey and beeswax and having favorable agroclimatic conditions and biodiversity, still has a huge unexploited beekeeping potential. However, the beekeeping system remains mostly traditional, so its contribution to the local community and the country's economy remains minimal. This study aims to explore the development potential of beekeeping by combining systems analysis of the current production with a SWOT-PESTEL analysis. The study identified the core challenges that hinder the exploitation of the potential and the existing opportunities. System mapping revealed that the unproductive practice and orientation of smallholder beekeepers towards poor quality honey production mainly for local beverage making affected the use of the potential and its contribution to beekeepers' income and the country's economy. In contrast, the focus of private investors and cooperatives on the production of fully and semi-processed honey for the local and global market had a positive impact on the use of the potential. Providing smallholder beekeepers with training and connecting them to modern input suppliers may help to exploit the existing potential. Ethiopia has a high potential for the production of honey and other apiary products due to its ideal agroecology. This potential is, however, not yet well utilized due to weak production and valorization systems. The study analyzed beekeeping systems and their honey value chain to detect the barriers and to explore ways to better exploit the existing potential. Descriptive statistics, a SWOT and PESTEL matrix, and system mapping were utilized for analysis. Ethiopian beekeeping is still dominated by traditional production systems, followed by modern and transitional systems, differing in types of beehives and the average amount of honey yield. The combined SWOT-PESTEL analysis revealed challenges like a limited supply and high cost of modern beehives, shortage of credit, absence of a honey marketing legal framework, pest and predator attacks, absconding, and uncontrolled application of agrochemicals. Opportunities include the globally increasing demand for honey, availability of good investment policy, conducive agroecology, and support from NGOs. The less productive techniques of smallholder beekeepers' crude honey production for local beverage making affected the good use of the potential and minimized its contribution to the local and national economy. On the contrary, strengthening private investors and cooperatives towards the production of fully and semi-processed honey impacted the utilization of the potential positively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen is considered a promising alternative to fossil fuels for energy transportation and storage. Establishing a hydrogen supply chain is crucial for a widespread adoption of hydrogen as an energy carrier. Existing guidelines for establishing a hydrogen supply chain in urban areas have been developed based on the unique characteristics and requirements of urban environments. However, rural areas have different characteristics and requirements that need to be considered to ensure successful implementation of hydrogen technologies. In this study, we adapted the existing guidelines for establishing a hydrogen supply chain in urban areas in seven steps to rural areas. It starts with identifying the ecosystem and ends with the implementation of the use case and the upscaling towards a fully developed hydrogen ecosystem. A comprehensive review of literature on the unique characteristics and requirements of rural areas for hydrogen supply chain implementation was conducted. Thereby, key differences between urban and rural environments were identified and modifications to the existing guidelines to address these specific challenges of rural areas. The modified guideline aims for example the lower population density, longer transportation distances, and limited infrastructure in rural areas. Industrial companies are scatter over a relatively wide area, therefore a centralized hydrogen supply like in cities is not sufficient. The study also emphasizes the importance of community engagement, which is an essential factor, especially in rural areas because of the strong interconnections between the companies, and collaboration with local stakeholders like politicians and the communities to ensure the acceptance and sustainability of hydrogen technologies in rural areas. The study provides a valuable contribution to the field of hydrogen energy by providing practical guidelines for establishing a hydrogen supply chain in rural areas. The modified guidelines can help overcome the challenges of rural areas and accelerate the adoption of hydrogen technologies in these regions. • Interview study for identification of he industrial challenges in rural areas. • Analysis of rural areas to introduce hydrogen as a source of energy. • Guideline for stakeholders for establishing a hydrogen environment. • Important steps for the integration of new goods in existing economic ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green Hydrogen (GH) is increasingly recognized as a viable solution in the United States (US) for meeting energy demands, achieving net zero emissions by 2050, and mitigating the intermittent nature of renewable sources such as wind and solar. This review paper identifies and examines three crucial research areas concerning GH. Despite significant federal, state, and business investment in the development of hydrogen technology, numerous questions have remained unanswered including economic viability, social acceptance, and policies and regulations. In comparison to the US, Europe, and Asia have taken a lead role in studying the social and regulatory aspects of GH. The study shows limited focus on social acceptance, and the absence of dedicated policies and regulations for hydrogen. The US lacks coordinated policies for GH and is blended with natural gas. The literature shows that the relationship between economics, social sciences, and policies and regulations are intrinsic. The success of GH in the US will require massive investments, public and private collaboration, research on social sciences, and regulatory support. Hence, the GH rollout will bridge the energy transition, and climate and development targets which guide future industrial, government and public decisions. • Knowledge and experience play a major role in the acceptance of green hydrogen. • Green hydrogen technology lacks a value chain. • Lack of green hydrogen-specific regulatory agencies and standards in the US. • Economic, social, and regulatory challenges interlinked for green hydrogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The socioeconomic changes in emerging economies shifted the market power from suppliers to customers. This compelled the firms to adopt a customer-centric approach, i.e., a differentiation strategy, to attain competitive advantage. The effective implementation of a differentiation strategy necessitates the adoption of value-chain thinking. The study aims to understand the transformation of linear supply chains to networked value chains as a firm moves toward differentiation. This study adopts a qualitative approach to understand the value chain of two Indian organic food firms, as organic foods are highly differentiated and customer-valued. Using the theoretical lens of transaction cost theory, evolution theory, and systems theory, this study attempts to highlight the business environment of organic foods. The study finds that as the stakeholder dependence is higher in the organic food sector, so does the need for cooperation and collaboration, thereby leading to network structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Faced with the severe situation of global population aging, smart elderly care services have become an effective way to solve the dilemma of elderly care. In recent years, the Chinese government has frequently issued policies to promote the rapid development of smart elderly care service. This paper constructs a three-dimensional analysis framework of "policy objectivepolicy tool-value chain" and uses content analysis method, which is a structured research method that analyzes the content of text, to analyze 126 policies at the national level of China's Smart elderly care service from 2012 to 2022. Through the quantitative statistical analysis, this study finds that the distribution of policy objectives is uneven, the structure of policy tools is imbalanced, the support strength of each link of the value chains is different, and the cross-fitting effect of dimensions is insufficient. In the future, pay attention to the balanced development of the needs of the elderly; Promote the complementarity of various policy tools; Strengthen the systematization of all links of the value chains; Improve the fitting effect between policy objectives, policy tools and value chains, and strive to improve the weak points of each combination model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the framework of a binational feasibility study, concepts for the introduction of sustainable technologies in the innovation region of Fessenheim and, based on these, various approaches to action for Franco‐German demonstration projects were developed. The overarching goal is the development of a sustainable and future‐oriented CO2‐neutral economic region. The transformation of society and the economy towards a renewable energy supply and sustainable use of resources, combined with the creation of future‐oriented jobs, is strongly promoted by the use of hydrogen as an energy carrier. Sustainably produced "green" hydrogen enables the almost immediate substitution of fossil hydrogen in industrial processes, the seasonal storage of renewable electricity and the flexible and efficient coupling of different energy sectors. The proposed pilot projects cover the entire value chain with green hydrogen, building on the specific regional characteristics and conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commercial use of wildlife is booming. However, knowledge of trade, price structure and benefit distribution mechanisms remain limited for many endemic, threatened and economically valuable species, impeding efforts to develop conservation intervention schemes in line with sustainable objectives. We illustrate the nature of commercialization of the caterpillar fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis , collected in a high-altitude Tibetan region. Using the value-chain approach, we document how caterpillar fungus is collected in a remote mountainous region and traded across a wide range of middlemen until it finally reaches high-end markets in urban centres. Mapping the caterpillar fungus value chain helps identify the actors involved and the social institutions (i.e. the rules, norms and arrangements that shape people's behaviours) facilitating access to markets and influencing profit distribution and price structure. We present the complex dynamics of this commercialization process, providing a holistic value-chain analysis that encompasses actors, profits and institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the use of a value chain-based competitiveness strategy to address the high price of prefab products sold by PT XYZ. The research analyzes production costs, supply chain, and installation costs using descriptive analysis, case study approach, and data processing techniques. The findings highlight the significance of improving product quality as the most important strategy for enhancing competitiveness. The article discusses the SAP-LAP analysis and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) as tools for determining factors and alternatives for strategy prioritization. It emphasizes the importance of improving product quality and human resources to effectively compete in the prefab construction market. [Extracted from the article]

Climate change is the major factor that affects crop yield and productivity in the long term. The changing climate scenario is now impacting farmers' lands and their outcomes in both developed and developing countries. The intercropping of crop species or varieties that have high arable capability is a promising technique for increasing crop production without increasing agricultural inputs. In intercropping, the selection of varieties, optimum sowing time, method of plant arrangement, and sowing proportion are required to make the design suitable for an intercropping system. Intercropping is one of the most highlighted agronomic practices helping to improve soil health (structure, fertility, nutrient uptake, etc.) and enhance yield and crop income per capita. Cereal-vegetable intercropping is used to improve crop status and improve the fertility of soil due to nitrogen fixation. However, this intercropping has some barriers to increasing yield and outputs regarding crops. In this paper, we summarize the latest literature about intercropping, its impacts, crop modeling, barriers, and what measures should be considered to increase the rates of intercropping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the comparative advantage of Xinjiang's sports exports from the perspective of the sports sector. Xinjiang, a region in western China, has been gaining recognition for its growing sports industry, encompassing various disciplines such as basketball, soccer, and traditional sports like Uyghur wrestling. Leveraging the framework of comparative advantage, this research delves into the unique strengths and opportunities that Xinjiang possesses in the global sports market. This study uncovers the region's competitive edge in sports exports through a comprehensive analysis of Xinjiang's sports industry, including its infrastructure, talent development, and cultural heritage. By examining the factors contributing to this comparative advantage, such as the region's strategic location along the Silk Road Economic Belt and its rich cultural diversity, this research sheds light on how Xinjiang can further capitalize on its sports sector to bolster economic development and international engagement. The findings of this study not only provide insights into Xinjiang's potential as a sports export hub but also offer valuable lessons for policymakers, business leaders, and sports enthusiasts interested in harnessing the economic and cultural potential of this dynamic region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The manufacturing industry in Hungary is responsible for 24.3% of the GDP. Overall, Hungarian companies’ labour productivity reaches only 70% of the EU average. This study shows that digitalisation may contribute to higher labour productivity. In this study a new index to measure digital business process integration (DBII) is introduced based on Porter’s Value Chain model. It is also shown that higher DBII can be associated with higher labour productivity. A positive association between organizations’ IT capabilities and labour productivity is also presented. Although a weaker but still significant association between DBII and profit per employee exists, the companies with the highest DBII do not have the highest average profit per employee. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food waste and loss is a current issue of global concern due to its significant effect on the country's food security. Despite the importance of food service industry on the control of food waste, yet the magnitude of waste and food loss in each stage of the value chain is not clear. This study intended to explore the extent of food loss and waste, and dominant factors for the food loss and waste along the value chain. A well-structured questionnaires and interview guide questions were used to collect primary data from customers (n = 80), and working staff at restaurants/canteen n = 20). Quantitative and qualitative methods of data analysis were employed in the analysis whereby Structural Equation Modeling technique through Confirmatory Factor Analysis was employed to establish the dominant factors for the food loss and waste at each stage in the value chain. The findings revealed that the main kinds of food loss and wastes generated at different stages includes beans, rice, vegetables, food remains e.g., ugali and left outs, meat, fish, bananas and tomato such that rice and beans losses are dominant i.e., rated at 73%. Also, more food loss and waste occur at the production stage mainly during harvesting. The main causes of food loss and waste in the value chain are mostly lack of post-harvest and food preservation technology, customers' and working staff ignorance, poor hygienic storage and preservation facilities. With this positive foundation, the study recommends future research to determine customers' perceptions and behavioral patterns regarding food loss and waste along the value chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper relies on literature review and primary data collected through in-depth interviews with 21 respondents to examine the political economy dynamics of the cocoa value chain in Ghana. The historical analysis, which was based on the political settlements framework, has shown that the policies implemented in the cocoa sector went through four periods. The colonial era was characterised by a fairly corporate governance system and struggle between European traders and farmer cooperatives for monopoly over internal marketing of cocoa. This was followed by the early post-independence era (1957–1980), which was characterised by neopatrimonialism and over-taxation of cocoa farmers. The third phase (1980–2000) witnessed economic reforms and liberalisation. The fourth phase (2000 to present) saw increased public–private partnerships aimed at empowering women and promoting environmentally friendly farming activities. The paper concludes that the policies in the cocoa sector have, historically, created more benefits (rents) to political elite and their crony capitalists. Given that rent-seeking behaviour is a threat to the sustainability of the cocoa sector, the paper urges international development partners and civil society groups to demand greater accountability and transparency from the political elite and state institutions in the cocoa sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Biosecurity is a strategic and integrated approach to analysing and managing risks to human, animal, and plant life and health, and associated environmental risks to the environment. Despite its growing importance worldwide, not least because of the COVID-19 pandemic, elements and principles needed to successfully expand biosecurity from the local (e.g., enterprises) to the global (e.g., border) level have not been identified. To gain more insights on the current status of biosecurity-relevant literature and elements and principles, a review was performed, including the identification of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of existing biosecurity initiatives, projects, and programs. Initial results from this review were complemented with a stakeholder survey. Key results include that most records focus on high-income countries, traditional livestock species (pigs, poultry, large ruminants), viral hazards, and biosecurity at the production level. The findings also highlight the need for initiatives such as the Progressive Management Pathway for Terrestrial Animal Biosecurity (PMP-TAB), currently being designed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), to build sustainable biosecurity systems globally. Based on the findings, key elements and recommendations were identified to support the development of progressive pathway approaches for better biosecurity from a One Health perspective. While biosecurity is of increasing importance globally, there is still limited evidence of the factors or elements that support the progressive and sustainable scaling up of biosecurity along the value chains from the local to the global level. To gain insight into the current body of literature on biosecurity, a mixed-methods approach was used based on a scoping literature review and an online survey with subject matter experts. Six databases were searched for published literature, and textual information from titles and abstracts of all included records (n = 266) were analysed through inductive content analysis to build biosecurity-relevant categories and identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of existing biosecurity systems or initiatives (such as projects or programs). Most records focused on initiatives in high-income countries, traditional livestock species (pigs, poultry, and large ruminants), and the production stage and had a disease-specific focus. No records described a comprehensive or global framework to progressively scale up biosecurity. Overall, the findings highlight the need for initiatives such as the FAO Progressive Management Pathway for Terrestrial Animal Biosecurity (FAO-PMP-TAB), which is a stepwise approach for strengthening biosecurity management along value chains to enhance the health, resilience, and sustainability of animal sectors. The findings highlight important elements and provide recommendations useful for developing approaches or a global framework to progressively improve biosecurity management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to propose a model of business competitiveness based on the value chain for the coking sector in Colombia that allows its promotion and strengthening. A systematic review of the literature in the Web of Science and Scopus databases, in the period 2012-2022, was carried out to establish the documentary corpus. The categories of analysis identified converge in the competitiveness based on the value chain from which a model is proposed to integrate: the participation of social actors (government, community, academy, businessmen and unions), primary activities, support and articulate to maintain and improve competitiveness business with direct involvement in the coking sector. As a conclusion, this model contributes to the definition and direction of strategies in the transformation of coke, generating conditions of competitiveness based on customer satisfaction and the strengthening of the sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blockchain technologies can be applied in organic agriculture and livestock farming to improve different aspects of farm performance. There are also potential economic benefits of using blockchain technology in organic farming. They could improve efficiency by automating and streamlining various aspects of the organic livestock supply chain, resulting in cost savings and higher profits for farmers. The technology can also improve traceability and transparency by providing an immutable and transparent record of every transaction in the supply chain, which can lead to increased consumer trust and demand for organic products. Additionally, blockchain technology can help reduce fraud in the organic market, provide access to new markets, and deepen collaboration between farmers, processors, and supply chain stakeholders. Blockchain technologies can reduce the costs and time associated with traditional payment systems. The study highlights some of the potential uses of blockchain technologies based on a comprehensive review of existing literature, but also based on existing platforms and models of integrating blockchain technologies within the operational activities of different stakeholders within the organic farming sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The central zone of Chile concentrates an important number of backyard production systems, where poultry species are the most commonly present in backyards, followed by swine. There is compelling evidence in the scientific literature indicating the circulation of zoonotic pathogens among backyard poultry and swine. As a result, backyards represent a significant animal-human interface that warrants further investigation. Previous studies have characterized poultry backyards in Chile; however, swine backyards have not yet been characterized. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to characterize swine backyard production systems in the central zone of Chile and to describe the value chain of swine backyard production. We found that backyard production is carried out in the context of the low implementation of biosecurity measures and that in most backyards, there is no animal health management in place; thus, the sanitary status of pigs is usually unknown. Moreover, a significant amount of movement of animals and animal products between different backyards was identified. These results suggest that swine backyards have biosecurity deficiencies that may play an important role in the risk of introduction and dissemination of animal pathogens or the emergence of zoonotic diseases and therefore require special attention. Backyard production systems (BPS) are highly distributed in central Chile. While poultry BPS have been extensively characterized, there remains a notable gap in the characterization of swine BPS in central Chile. In addition, there is evidence that zoonotic pathogens, such as influenza A virus and Salmonella spp., are circulating in backyard poultry and pigs. A total of 358 BPS located in central Chile were evaluated between 2013 and 2015 by interviewing farm owners. Severe deficiencies in biosecurity measures were observed. The value chain of swine backyard production identified food, veterinary care (visits and products), and replacement or breeding animals as the primary inputs to the backyard. The most common origin of swine replacements was from outside the BPS (63%). The main outputs of the system were identified as meat and live animals, including piglets and breeding animals. In 16% of BPS, breeding animals were lent to other BPS, indicating the existence of animals and animal product movement in and out of backyard farms. Results from this study indicate that swine BPS in central Chile represents an animal–human interface that demands special attention for implementing targeted preventive measures to prevent the introduction and spread of animal pathogens and the emergence of zoonotic pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable agriculture has been consistently challenged due to the menace of changing climate, thereby, causing depletion in carrying capacity of soil vis-à-vis agronomic response of crop. Of late, biochar has turned out to be the most promising option to address these issues. The present review takes stock of the research work accrued under varied agro-pedological conditions, highlighting the response of biochar in a soil-plant-environment continuum. The properties of biochar depended hugely on the source of feedstock and pyrolysis conditions, with its uniqueness resting with high specific surface area and stable carbon source, pre-disposing to better soil health associated crop responses. However, the current biochar recommendations for different crops are high, unless evaluated in combination with fertilizers or organic manures to address both short-term and long-term benefits through soil carbon mediated nutrient supply chain for sustainable crop performance. The role of biochar in scavenging the soil pollutants and pesticide residues, and reducing the emission of greenhouse gases has perched this carbon source with an added advantage over other conventionally used carbon sources. Authors have put forward future issues with an emphasis on the development of crop-based value-chain management of biochar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Despite much innovation and development in the Norwegian salmon industry, the focus has largely been on building volume and reducing costs. Limited attention has been paid to develop value added products and differentiation strategies in Norway to reap stable profits associated with such strategies. In depth-interviews with a supply chain containing Norwegian salmon producers, one exporter and one feed producer, industrial buyers representing two Polish processing companies and two German retailers, aimed to provide insight into why more differentiation is not happening in the Norwegian salmon industry. Results from this supply chain reveals lack of communication and asymmetric power-dependence relations between the Norwegian salmon business actors and their industrial buyers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores how African entrepreneurs in Guangzhou manage to survive in an environment that is characterized by harsh competition and major institutional restrictions. Combining literature on social networks theory with the mixed embeddedness approach, this paper presents an analysis of African entrepreneurial trajectories as a transnational and locally embedded process through exploring networking and trust-building strategies that African entrepreneurs employ to (re)position themselves in the Sino-African value chain. Based on ethnographic research on African entrepreneurs in Guangzhou, it shows that many African entrepreneurs are changing positions in the value chain by moving closer to Chinese production. Moving closer to the production side necessitates entrepreneurs to develop stronger local embeddedness whereas at the same time they need to maintain their transnational ties. Entrepreneurs in earlier phases rely on a ties with other Africans in Guangzhou, while in later phases they are embedded in a more diversified network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The privatization of state-trading enterprises (STEs) is posited as enabling dynamic upgrading. Malaysia has trialled this approach through Padiberas Nasional Berhad (BERNAS) as the lead firm in charge of development in the rice industry. Using published information, this study makes a longitudinal analysis at the structure, conduct, and performance post privatization through the global value chain theory. It shows that the entity has developed from a rice importation monopoly into a virtual monopoly/monopsony in rice value chain stages. In that patronage system, privatization and concentrated market structure have limited upgrading opportunities to their associated partners. Concurrently, it has morphed to a private company. The efficacy of allowing the pillar of national food security to be controlled by a private monopoly needs close examination. Only through that can governments ensure that broader social and development objectives are met, while minimizing the risks associated with both excessive reliance on a particular firm and the abandonment of competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Maize also known as Zea mays L. is a popular crop in most of the developing countries and cultivated across the world because of its nutritional benefits and its multiple use. Bihar is one of the major maize growing states in India. An analysis of production and its value chain will help the state in providing the further direction for policy making. Methods: The current study explores the status of maize production in Bihar in terms of growth rate and instability index based on the available secondary data for maize production in Bihar from 2000-2021. It also develops a framework of its value chain in the state based on the available secondary related to its inputs and production. Result: The study identifies that the production and yield of maize crop in Bihar have a positive growth trend with a instability ranging between low to medium in case of rabi and summer maize which shows that it is a promising crop in Bihar for improving the income of the farmers. The analysis of the maize value chain reveals that the cost of cultivation of maize in Bihar is '56047.96 per hectare whereas the cost of production is '1412.98, the major actors in the value chain includes small and marginal farmers, private agro dealers, Krishi Vikash Kendra (KVKs), ATMA, state and central agricultural universities and BRLPS along with Farmer Producing organisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research background: The study responses to the internationalisation issue, one of the essential factors of SMEs growth. Particularly to companies' efforts towards setting international cooperation and circumstances obstructing these struggles. The study takes into consideration that internationalisation in specific areas of company's operations differs noticeably. Similarly, different barriers may arise depending on the areas of the company's value chain that are the focus of the enterprises' internationalisation strategies. Purpose of the article: This study aims to identify barriers to internationalisation regarding various areas of a company's value chain. The study employs the Value Chain Model by Porter. Methods: The field data was collected using a questionnaire survey on a sample of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) located in countries in the Baltic Sea region (Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland). A multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the impact of barriers on internationalisation. Finding & value added: The study indicates three areas that are most often the subject of internationalisation in SMEs: operations, outbound logistics and marketing and sales. Barriers differ between value chain areas; however, cultural differences and competition are perceived as the most important hindering factors by companies experienced in internationalisation. At the same time, barriers regarding knowledge and finance diminish when companies becoming more experienced in internationalisation in particular value chain areas. This study is one of few employing the value chain framework to examine internationalisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Regarding the daily developments achieved in science and technology, Research and Development is now known as the key to success for industries. Moreover, the production of knowledge and its distribution and application play a vital role in creating noble commodities and can finally lead to technological innovation within industrial complexes' R&D units. Having acknowledged scientific collaboration's vitality en-route the achievement of products' know-how and paying cautious attention to modeling acceleration plus creating differentiation for the end product, the present study has taken an inter-disciplinary approach to finding the best way of applying knowledge to industry. It also seeks a proper counter to the challenging question of ―What are the varieties to knowledge-based collaborations within the Research and Development value chain?‖ Methodology: The present study is descriptive-dynamic in terms of coherence and a functional one in terms of objectives. The employed statistical society comprises 15 elites chosen judgmentally. Being a composition of two qualitative methods, utilizing Delphi and Fuzzy methods and quantitative by Cluster Analysis employing SPSS and R softwares, the study has tried its best to examine theoretical basics in real-life situations so that the most tangible results are obtained and presented. Finding: the gained results from elites' approaches over Delphi's twin levels that identify the required criteria as well as scientific collaborations in addition to the cluster analysis on knowledgebased cooperation over the value chain all depict that four questionnaires plus 12 components together form the varieties of knowledge-based collaborations within the R&D value chain. Conclusion: The results of the 3-level analyses depict that knowledge-based collaborations within Iran's national innovation system can be categorized into four groups: leading, creation, distribution, and science absorption. The mentioned categories possess 12 sub-branches leading to knowledgebased collaborations via 4 clusters--the varieties, including strategic innovations and sciences, together with cover 15 activities. In comparison, the varieties including scientific creations and innovations cover 33 activities, and those concerning strategic innovations and sciences seem to cover 13 activities. Last but not least, absorbing sciences and innovation strategies cover 26 activities out of the total 80 activities throughout the research and development value chain. Knowledge-based collaborations can expand cooperation in 4 various clusters, which itself can reduce errors throughout the process of achieving the know-how and modeling and evolution acceleration plus creating differentiation for the end product. R&D sections' Knowledge-based collaborations bear 4 clusters and 3 levels. The 4-elemented 1st level utters the knowledge-based nature of interactions within productions chains and innovative services resulting in the production, spread and absorption of knowledge throughout the national system of innovation if proper strategies are determined. The 12-elemented 2nd level displays interactions' variety plus R&D's complexity covering the production cycle from ideas formation until its abrogation. The 80-elemented 3rd level depicts the conducted efforts within the R&D value chain aligned with interior and exterior interactions that together lead to innovative technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innovation is recognized as a critical driver and component of economic growth and development. While innovation is considered crucial to solve societal problems and create opportunities in rural areas, insufficient effort has gone into examining the nature of innovation processes as they unfold in rural areas. Consequently, our understanding of the patterns of innovation by rural-based enterprises remains limited. This study uses a qualitative approach to explore the patterns of rural innovation processes within two agro-processing enterprises in South Africa's Mopani District Municipality. Data collection was conducted on-site using semi-structured interviews with a range of interviewees located along the agro-processing value chains of the enterprises. The analysis shows that enterprises increasingly engage in adoption and adaptation of different types of innovations. These innovations complement core business operations rather than completely change them. Rural innovation is predominant in non-R&D and non-technological areas such as commodity supply arrangements, production processes and marketing strategies. Our findings provide insights into the conditions that facilitate innovation. We suggest that innovation policy should strengthen and enhance existing local innovation capacity in rural areas. Future research on the origins and nature of rural innovation in emerging enterprises could incorporate large sample data to provide additional insight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a context in which climate change, overexploitation, and environmental degradation are continuously progressing, the sustainable use of the sea is a key target, both for resources and fishery operators. With the aim of enhancing the sustainability and competitiveness of the entire fishery sector, an innovation brokering event was organized. Via the application of a participatory, interactive, and bottom-up approach, different actors in the Italian SSF sector were stimulated to work together to find innovative solutions to day-by-day problems. During the consultation, and between the identified problems, emerged the lack of cooperation for marketing activity and effective strategies for seafood product development. A pilot action consisting in co-designing a virtual marketplace (VirMa) was the result of the event, intending to facilitate the direct sale of seafood products, explore this new and valuable market, and establish a direct line with consumers. The VirMa application was developed as a value chain network, trying to add value to seafood products. However, an information and communication tool, such as a VirMa, could contribute to increasing the resilience of the SSF sector to market constraints even during unforeseen events, such as a pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficiency change, mutual cooperation, and interaction among the three fishery industries in China can accurately reflect the level of economic development within the industry. Studying the relationships between the three fishery industries under the existing structural system is conducive to enhancing the endogenous power and steady progress of the industry. Using the DEA-Malmquist model, gray correlation, impulse response, and variance decomposition methods, this paper focuses on the specific value appreciation process of the three fishery industries, namely, fishery capture and aquaculture (primary industry), aquatic processing (secondary industry), and recreational fishery activities (tertiary industry), in order to analyze the synergy and interactive response relationship among the three fishery industries during the period of 2003 to 2020 based on the value chain. We propose specific policy suggestions regarding the overall efficiency level and integration degree of the three fishery industries. The results show the following: (1) the efficiency of fishery capture and aquaculture (primary industry) and aquatic processing (secondary industry) show significant regional differences, and the change in trend in the efficiency of recreational fishery activities (tertiary industry) is better than that of the other two. (2) Most of the synergy degrees of fish capture and aquaculture efficiency, aquatic processing efficiency, and recreational fishing efficiency, are medium and above. (3) The interactions among the efficiencies of the three fishery industries in the country and that in different regions vary. From a national perspective, the efficiency of the fishery industries can be dependent on economic inertia. There is a regional heterogeneity among the interactive responses to the efficiency of the three fishery industries in China; the interaction of fishery value chain efficiency in the four economic regions differs in both strength and direction. Exploring the synergy and interactive response among the three fishery industries in China from the value chain perspective can provide a basis for the precise governance of different regional characteristics and help to modernize the fishery industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the barriers and challenges for decent job creation along the value chain of plastic recycling that street waste pickers (SWPs) face in the urban regions of Cape Town with a mixed method research design. The findings from the descriptive case study's primary survey data indicated that the informal recycling economy in these regions has little to no barriers of entry. Initiatives to absorb individuals into this economy could potentially help decrease the unemployment level of unskilled and lowly educated people. On average, SWPs earn about R155 for a day's waste and R632 for a week's waste. The econometric results revealed that SWPs from the coloured population group who do not have access to trolleys yield statistically significantly lower earnings. Assisting SWPs through the provision of trolleys and protective gear could potentially be an advantage to sustain their income and create decent employment opportunities for SWPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity is fundamental for ecosystem functioning, sustainable crop production, soil health, and attainment of food and nutrition security. Loss of biodiversity in Africa and across the globe, and its negative impacts on food security, climate, and health must be curbed. African indigenous and underutilized crops are not likely to cause diet-related diseases. In addition, some of them cannot be adversely affected by climate change, and they also require minimum agronomic input to yield optimally. Besides supplying appropriate proportions of essential minerals, underutilized horticultural crops can also reduce hunger and alleviate poverty. While abiotic stresses like low/high temperature, drought, light intensity, and sub-optimal relative humidity will have negative impacts on exotic plants growth and development, indigenous crops are seldom affected. It is of great importance that the neglected and underutilized plant species (NUS) also serve a dual purpose as food for man as well as animal feed. Despite these crucial roles that the NUS play, some are still threatened with neglect and potentials not maximized. This paper discusses strategies that can be adopted to conserve NUS for their optimum utilization, with the Nigerian rain forest species as prototypes. Deliberate identification and cultivation of the NUS, establishment of gene and field banks, recognition and promotion of the NUS through national and special research and development programmes, use of media, including social, extension agents and agencies, linking the NUS to relevant industries including food, feed, and pharmaceuticals, and biodiversity conservation through diversified farming systems etc. are major key strategies for Climate-smart and sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global demand for high-value shrimp has driven the gradual growth of shrimp farming in Bangladesh and its export to the international market over the last four decades. This shift from rice production to shrimp farming was criticized in literature for exporting nutrients from a country already suffering from malnutrition and a 'hidden hunger'. Using questionnaires and data from across a variety of markets in the southwest region of Bangladesh (Khulna, Satkhira and Bagerhat districts), the heart of the country's shrimp production, this study showed that the shrimp export industry in Bangladesh supports a thriving fish production sector destined to national markets. The co-produced fish and shrimp volume and species variety indicate its polyculture. The study found that 17% of the southwest total fish volume in wet weight was exported to the global market and 83% remained within Bangladesh. In domestic share, about 30% is consumed in southwest Bangladesh and 53% is destined to other parts of the country. It also revealed that from 33 to 41% shrimp and 43 to 46% prawn in volume was consumed within the country and the rest was destined for the international market from the southwest coastal area of Bangladesh. The study indicates that this small-scale polyculture system provides good support for local food supply, exports earnings of Bangladesh and combats with malnutrition in this region affected by climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]