Methodologies for Assessing Sustainability in Agri-Food Supply Chains: A Systematic Review and Proposal of an Integrative Theoretical Model
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Abstract
The agri-food sector contributes up to 40% of employment and more than one-third of GDP in countries such as Mexico and Spain; however, its environmental impacts could increase by 50% to 90% by 2050. In light of this projection, this study conducted a systematic PRISMA-PIO review synthesizing 59 studies published between 2020 and 2025 in Springer Link, Scopus, and Science Direct, with the objective of constructing a theoretical model that articulates links, dimensions, and sustainability methodologies in agri-food supply chains. The results show that the production, processing, and distribution links concentrate the greatest attention in the literature. The most addressed sustainability dimension corresponds to the Triple Bottom Line (TBL: environmental, economic, and social). Methodologically, LCA, LCC, and S-LCA are the main methodologies for each dimension, complemented by other integrative methodologies such as SAFA/RISE/IDEA. The emerging technologies identified include Big Data, IoT, Blockchain, and digital twins to close data and traceability gaps. The proposed theoretical model integrates these components and overcomes the fragmented approach of previous research through the systematic articulation of elements that are traditionally studied in isolation, providing a holistic and adaptable framework that enables organizations to design sustainability strategies aligned with their specific objectives.
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Brenda Carolina Torres-Guato, Universidad Técnica de Ambato - Ecuador
https://orcid.org/0009-0006-1784-3372
Student of Industrial Engineering at the Technical University of Ambato. I am currently in the final stage of my academic training and conducting my first research on sustainability and the agri-food supply chain.
Luis Alberto Morales-Perrazo, Universidad Técnica de Ambato - Ecuador
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0921-262X
Mechanical Engineer specialized in Industrial Safety, Occupational Hygiene, Environmental Management and Quality Control; professor of Industrial Engineering at the Technical University of Ambato, with 15 years of experience and also performing research and community involvement functions.
Freddy Roberto Lema-Chicaiza, Universidad Técnica de Ambato - Ecuador
0000-0001-5987-8975
Assistant Research Professor at the Technical University of Ambato. I am a Professional in Chemical Engineering and Chemical Technology, with a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering. Currently coordinator of the AGRO 5.0 project at the Technical University of Ambato, I belong to the Research in Engineering and Advanced Sustainable Operations, Nature, and Society (REASONS) research group at the Technical University of Ambato.
Lorena Catalina Sigüenza-Guzmán, Universidad de Cuenca - Ecuador
0000-0003-1367-5288
Lorena Sigüenza Guzmán holds a degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Cuenca, a Master’s in Telematics from the University of Azuay, and a Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences from KU Leuven (Belgium). She currently serves as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Cuenca, where she is also a lecturer and researcher. Her research focuses on sustainability, resilience, and digital transformation in agri-food supply chains, within the framework of international projects. She has led academic innovation, international cooperation, and capacity-building initiatives, committed to advancing sustainable development and excellence in higher education.
Edith Elena Tubón-Núñez , Universidad Técnica de Ambato - Ecuador
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8094-6207
Edith Tubón Núñez is a professor and researcher at the Technical University of Ambato. She is a food engineer with a master's degree in mathematics, teaching, and business management based on quantitative methods. She has a specialization in statistics applied to research and data analysis. She is currently part of the AGRO 5.0 project at the Technical University of Ambato.
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