Multidimensional sustainable performance in agri-food supply chain

Abstract

Sustainability has become a critical issue in the agri-food supply chain, driven by the need to balance economic performance, social welfare, and environmental protection in increasingly complex and dynamic systems. However, existing sustainability assessments are often fragmented and primarily focused on traditional dimensions, resulting in limited insights into overall supply chain performance. This study aimed to develop a multidimensional framework for evaluating sustainable performance in agri-food supply chains by integrating both conventional and emerging dimensions. This research adopted a descriptive approach through a comprehensive review and synthesis of relevant literature on sustainability performance measurement in agroindustrial and agri-food systems. The study systematically identifies key dimensions and organizes them into a structured framework applicable across various actors within the supply chain. The results indicated that sustainable performance in the agri-food supply chain can be classified into six main dimensions: economic, social, environmental, digitalization, institutional, and risk management. The integration of digitalization and risk management extended the traditional framework, addressing the growing importance of technological advancement and uncertainty in supply chain operations. Additionally, institutional factors were identified as essential in strengthening governance, coordination, and stakeholder alignment. In conclusion, this multidimensional framework provides a more comprehensive and holistic perspective for assessing sustainable performance in agri-food supply chains. It offers valuable insights for decision-makers in designing more resilient, adaptive, and sustainable systems, while contributing to the development of advanced sustainability assessment models in the agri-food sector.