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Advanced Agricultural Economy: Challenges and Opportunities

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Agriculture".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2025 | Viewed by 18265

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Faculty of Economics–FCE, Department of Economics and International Relations–DERI, Interdisciplinary Center for Studies and Research in Agribusiness–CEPAN, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul–UFRGS, Porto Alegre 90010-460, Brazil
Interests: bioeconomics; bioeconomy; agribusiness; thermodynamics; sustainability; bioenergy; biofuels; natural resources; food systems
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Guest Editor
School of Management, Innovation Research Center (NITEC), Agribusiness Research Center (CAPAN), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 90010-460, Brazil
Interests: industrial organization; innovation; production; operations management; competitiveness and sustainability; agribusiness; bioenergy

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent decades, the bioeconomy is becoming an important component of the economic matrix in many countries and has supported the development of local economies and contributed to poverty alleviation. The different sectors of the bioeconomy, specially the agricultural systems, have been considered among the most promising mean to contribute to achieving the targets set by the United Nations’s Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Agriculture has an important role producing biomass to supply the bioeconomy. Biofuels used in transport, for example, are already utilized in many countries and have contributed to reduce the dependency on fossil fuels and mitigate the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, as highlighted by the United Nation Environment Program (UNEP), the dependence on biomass to produce bioenergy “can contribute to deforestation, degradation of soil quality and reduction of the biodiversity” and create food insecurity. These figures reveal that agricultural systems will face relevant challenges imposed by the dramatic increase predicted for human population in the next decades and the pressures on sustainability dimensions. These challenges demand new approaches to structure, organize and manage agricultural systems. These environmental, economic and social issues must be addressed. More specifically, as argued by the European Commission, “without the ability to deliver a stable and rewarding income, agriculture would not be able to supply its essential products and services for society”. This way, it is relevant to do academic research and to develop and to improve methodological approaches with analytical frameworks, criteria and indicators to evaluate the economic impacts, trade-offs and feasibility of sustainable agricultural production systems to support national, regional and local public policies formulation and private decision making to build, operate and manage sustainable agricultural systems.

Key topics of interest for publication include, but are not limited to:

  • National and local public policies and financial incentives to support and encourage sustainable agricultural production and consumption;
  • The economic, social and environmental impacts of sustainable agricultural production and consumption on local economies;
  • Monetary and fiscal evaluation of tangible and intangible agricultural ecosystems (products and services);
  • The economics of dematerialization, decarbonisation and adaptation to climate changes of agricultural supply chains;
  • The economics of the biotechnological intensification of agricultural systems;
  • Projects and experiences of agricultural technology transfer/cooperation among developed countries (DC) and less develop countries (LDC) (for example, indicators of effectiveness);
  • The role and impact of bioenergy on the bioeconomy of feedstock production (agricultural food crops, agricultural non-food crops, agricultural starch, bioresidues from agroindustries, organic waste, forestry, algae, etc.)
  • The economics of innovations for alternative feedstocks and new generations of bioenergy (first (crops and animal fat), second (lignocellulose), third (algae), fourth (genomically prepared microorganisms and genetically engineered feedstock);
  • The role and effects of biological sources (feedstock), land locations (geographical region and biome) and management practices (farm and agroindustry) on bioenergy production and sustainability;
  • Methodological and analytical frameworks, criteria and indicators to assess the environmental, economic and social impacts and trade-offs of the sustainability of agricultural production systems (trade-offs within the economic, environmental and social dimensions);
  • Methodological and analytical frameworks, criteria and indicators for the risk assessment of bioenergy production systems (land use competition, deforestation, degradation of soil and water sources, the quality and reduction of biodiversity);
  • Methodological and analytical scenarios for market evaluation of sustainable agricultural products (assessment of the supply and demand sides and sustainability constraints/trade-offs);
  • Methodological and analytical frameworks to assess the feasibility (technical reliability and economic viability) of sustainable agricultural supply chains.

Dr. Edson Talamini
Prof. Dr. Antonio Domingos Padula
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • agricultural systems
  • biodiversity
  • bioenergy
  • sustainable agriculture
  • dematerialization
  • bioeconomy
  • ecological economics
  • agricultural economics
  • economic indicators
  • economic impact
  • poverty alleviation

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 2681 KiB  
Article
Greening the Growth: A Comprehensive Analysis of Globalization, Economic Performance, and Environmental Degradation in Tanzania
by Felician A. Kitole, Jennifer K. Sesabo, Olufunmilola F. Adesiyan, A. O. Ige, Temitope O. Ojo, Chijioke U. Emenike, Nolwazi Z. Khumalo, Hazem S. Kassem and Khalid M. Elhindi
Sustainability 2024, 16(24), 10983; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162410983 - 14 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1395
Abstract
The pursuit of economic growth in developing countries like Tanzania often intensifies environmental degradation, posing significant sustainability challenges. This study examined the interrelationships between globalization, economic growth, and environmental degradation in Tanzania from 1970 to 2022, using World Bank data and the autoregressive [...] Read more.
The pursuit of economic growth in developing countries like Tanzania often intensifies environmental degradation, posing significant sustainability challenges. This study examined the interrelationships between globalization, economic growth, and environmental degradation in Tanzania from 1970 to 2022, using World Bank data and the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model. The findings reveal a strong long-run positive relationship between GDP per capita and CO2 emissions, partially supporting the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis. Specifically, the analysis identifies an EKC threshold where emissions peak at 3 metric tons per capita and GDP per capita reaches approximately USD 1200 (TSH 3,120,000), after which further increases in emissions are associated with a decline in GDP per capita. In the short run, GDP per capita shows a weak negative association with CO2 emissions, indicating temporary environmental benefits during growth phases. Foreign direct investment (FDI) exhibits no significant short-term impact on emissions, mostly due to delays in the implementation of mega development projects and changes in the country’s economic policies as the result of change in the political regime. Additionally, trade openness is a significant driver of long-run emissions, emphasizing the environmental costs of globalization. To address these challenges, this study recommends that Tanzania attract sustainable FDI for integrating eco-friendly technologies, promote green trade practices by embedding environmental safeguards into trade agreements, and invest in renewable energy infrastructure to decouple growth from emissions. Strengthening environmental regulations, enhancing institutional capacity, and fostering international collaboration are crucial to achieving long-term sustainability. These measures can help Tanzania balance economic development and environmental preservation, aligning with the goals of Tanzania Development Vision 2025 (TDV 2025) and paving the way for a sustainable growth trajectory. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Agricultural Economy: Challenges and Opportunities)
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37 pages, 1566 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Technological Innovations on Agricultural Productivity and Environmental Sustainability in China
by Weilun Huang and Xucheng Wang
Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8480; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198480 - 29 Sep 2024
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 9140
Abstract
Agricultural productivity in China is a fundamental driver of food security and economic growth. Yet, the sector faces profound challenges due to environmental degradation and climate change, which threaten sustainable agricultural practices. This research examines the effects of technological innovations on agricultural Total [...] Read more.
Agricultural productivity in China is a fundamental driver of food security and economic growth. Yet, the sector faces profound challenges due to environmental degradation and climate change, which threaten sustainable agricultural practices. This research examines the effects of technological innovations on agricultural Total Factor Productivity and environmental sustainability in China from 2012 to 2022. The study seeks to understand how technological advancements, when considered alongside socioeconomic variables, impact agricultural output while balancing ecological integrity. Employing a comprehensive methodological framework, this research integrates fixed-effects, random-effects, and multilevel mixed-effects models to analyze crucial factors including rural education, technological capability, and environmental conservation initiatives. The study further utilizes structural equation modeling to evaluate both the direct and indirect effects of these determinants on productivity. The results demonstrate that technological innovations substantially enhance agricultural productivity, particularly in provinces with higher socioeconomic development. Additionally, sustainable farming practices and tailored policy interventions are identified as vital in addressing regional productivity imbalances. The research concludes by underscoring the necessity for the continued integration of environmental considerations and emerging technologies to ensure the sustainability of agricultural growth in the long term. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Agricultural Economy: Challenges and Opportunities)
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20 pages, 18487 KiB  
Article
Agroindustrial Complex to Promote the Economic and Social Development of Agricultural Producers of the Callejon de Huaylas, Ancash, Peru 2023
by Luz Castillo, Carla Rebagliatti, Doris Esenarro, Raul Mendez and Pablo Cobeñas
Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5744; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135744 - 5 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2673
Abstract
The objective of this research is to propose an architectural design of an agroindustrial complex to promote the social economic development of agricultural producers in Callejón de Huaylas, Áncash, Peru 2023. This includes the application of clean energy elements to reduce environmental impact [...] Read more.
The objective of this research is to propose an architectural design of an agroindustrial complex to promote the social economic development of agricultural producers in Callejón de Huaylas, Áncash, Peru 2023. This includes the application of clean energy elements to reduce environmental impact and preserve existing biodiversity. Agriculture is not a stable market for the development of small producers and exporters; despite having a widely productive territory, there is no government support, and there is evidently insufficient infrastructure for the sale and promotion of agricultural products, leading these producers to sell and transport their products informally. As a methodology, it was approached from the standpoint of the importance of agriculture, the climatic characterization of the study location, and the application of sustainable design strategies, supported by digital tools (Autocad, Sketchup, Sunpath3d, Illustrator, and Photoshop). Results were generated in permeable spaces in search of multipurpose spatial integration, thus allowing productive, economic, educational, and social development in a sustainable manner. The agroindustrial complex allows an improvement in the quality of life of workers in the agricultural sector through a reduction in informality, and the promotion of inclusion and equity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Agricultural Economy: Challenges and Opportunities)
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Review

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20 pages, 433 KiB  
Review
Optimizing Water Conservation in South Africa’s Arid and Semi-Arid Regions Through the Cultivation of Indigenous Climate-Resilient Food Crops
by Nomzamo Sharon Msweli, Isaac Azikiwe Agholor, Mishal Trevor Morepje, Moses Zakhele Sithole, Tapelo Blessing Nkambule, Variety Nkateko Thabane, Lethu Inneth Mgwenya and Nombuso Precious Nkosi
Sustainability 2025, 17(3), 1149; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17031149 - 30 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1520
Abstract
The semi-arid and dry regions of South Africa experience shortages of water resources, which poses major challenges to livelihoods exacerbated by climate change. Despite the importance of indigenous food crops in optimizing water conservation, limited research has been conducted on effective strategies for [...] Read more.
The semi-arid and dry regions of South Africa experience shortages of water resources, which poses major challenges to livelihoods exacerbated by climate change. Despite the importance of indigenous food crops in optimizing water conservation, limited research has been conducted on effective strategies for promoting indigenous crops. This paper explores the potential of indigenous crops in optimizing water conservation in South Africa. This review paper adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist to ensure transparency, rigor, and reproducibility. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across several databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. This review found that indigenous crops, such as sorghum and cowpeas, have innate traits that enable them to flourish in environments where water resources are limited. According to the findings of this study, these indigenous crops are resilient to drought and optimize water use efficiency. This review recommends the creation of a national database for indigenous climate-resilient food crops, which can act as an information hub for research and development. In maximizing the water use efficiency of indigenous crops, sustainable water management techniques remain critical. The results of this study have important implications for sustainable agriculture and water conservation in South Africa. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Agricultural Economy: Challenges and Opportunities)
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32 pages, 10177 KiB  
Review
Measuring the Bioeconomy Economically: Exploring the Connections between Concepts, Methods, Data, Indicators and Their Limitations
by Sebastián Leavy, Gabriela Allegretti, Elen Presotto, Marco Antonio Montoya and Edson Talamini
Sustainability 2024, 16(20), 8727; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16208727 - 10 Oct 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2404
Abstract
Despite its relevance, measuring the contributions of the bioeconomy to national economies remains an arduous task that faces limitations. Part of the difficulty is associated with the lack of a clear and widely accepted concept of the bioeconomy and moves on to the [...] Read more.
Despite its relevance, measuring the contributions of the bioeconomy to national economies remains an arduous task that faces limitations. Part of the difficulty is associated with the lack of a clear and widely accepted concept of the bioeconomy and moves on to the connections between methods, data and indicators. The present study aims to define the concepts of bioeconomy and to explore the connections between concepts, methods, data, and indicators when measuring the bioeconomy economically and the limitations involved in this process. The bioeconomy concepts were defined based on a literature review and a content analysis of 84 documents selected through snowballing procedures to find articles measuring “how big is the bioeconomy?” The content of the 84 documents was uploaded to the Quantitative Data Analysis (QDA Miner) software and coded according to the bioeconomy concept, the methods or models used, the data sources accessed, the indicators calculated, and the limitations reported by the authors. The results of the occurrence and co-occurrence of the codes were extracted and analyzed statistically, indicating the following: the measurement of the bioeconomy (i) needs to recognize and pursue the proposed concept of a holistic bioeconomy; (ii) rarely considered aspects of a holistic bioeconomy (3.5%); (iii) is primarily based on the concept of biomass-based bioeconomy (BmBB) (94%); (iv) the association with the concept of biosphere (BsBB) appeared in 26% of the studies; (v) the biotech-based bioeconomy (BtBB) was the least frequent (1.2%); (vi) there is a diversity of methods and models, but the most common are those traditionally used to measure macroeconomic activities, especially input-output models; (vii) depending on the prevailing methods, the data comes from various official statistical databases, such as national accounts and economic activity classification systems; (viii) the most frequently used indicators are value added, employment, and Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emissions; (ix) there are various limitations related to the concept, methods and models, data, indicators, and others, like incomplete, missing, or lack of data, aggregated data, outdated data or databases, uncertainty of the estimated values, the subjectivity in the bio-shares weighting procedures, and other limitations inherent to methods and models. We conclude that current efforts only partially measure the contributions of the bioeconomy, and efforts should be encouraged toward a full assessment, starting by recognizing that the measurement of a holistic bioeconomy should be pursued. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Agricultural Economy: Challenges and Opportunities)
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