Understanding and improving global agri-food supply chains in an interconnected world: a systems approach

Summary

Agri-food supply chains (AFSCs) are complex, interconnected networks that span the world, yet they are highly influenced by regional contexts, as the chapters from this book have illustrated. From large-scale farming in countries like the United States to small and medium-sized farmers in Latin America and Africa, each region presents its own set of challenges and opportunities. These do not only result from regional environmental conditions but also political, economic, social, technological, and regulatory aspects. Using the framework introduced in Chapter 1, this closing chapter synthesizes the content of this book by differentiating between the managed system, the managing system, and the information system to provide an understanding of AFSCs across the world.