Sustainable Business Models for Climate Resilience: Adapting Organisational Strategy in an Era of Environmental Uncertainty

Abstract

This study investigates the application of climate-resilient sustainable business models in the manufacturing and agricultural value chains in Africa and Asia. In the context of heightened environmental volatility and regulatory scrutiny between 2020 and 2024, the study investigates adaptation strategies that are reasonably economical and ecologically viable for addressing specific regional issues. Employing a mixed-method design, quantitative analysis from 87 firms was supplemented with qualitative case studies from 12 industry leaders. The evaluation model incorporated business model innovation, resource use efficiency measurement, and adaptive capacity assessment through executive and sustainability officer interviews. Data collection was done longitudinally over 36 months, factoring in seasonal and periodic extreme weather shifts. The study identified four emergent business models with exceptional resilience: climate-responsive supply chain restructuring, community-embedded production, circular economy integration, and ecosystem service valuation. Implementing these models resulted in 28% reduced disruption costs and 17% increased resource efficiency during extreme weather events compared to traditional models across both continents. Following the comparative assessment, the study suggested adopting scenario-based planning, incorporating climate data, creating collaborative industry-wide knowledge-sharing platforms, embedding climate-related performance indicators into key figure reporting, and recalibrating governance frameworks to support strategic sustainability targets. There are contextual implementation approaches for global companies and local capital-bent firms. This research assists in understanding business model innovation in the context of climate vulnerability and competitive advantage in adapting regions. Other studies should investigate the integration of different sectors and target geographic areas more closely, focusing on enduring adaptability as organisational responses to environmental unpredictability mature.