Horton, P., Koh, L. and Guang, V.S. (2016) An integrated theoretical framework to enhance resource efficiency, sustainability and human health in agri-food systems. Journal of Cleaner Production, 120. pp. 164-169. ISSN 0959-6526
Abstract
The absence of integrated decision-making across the agri-food system is arguably the single biggest obstacle to global food security and breaking through it is perhaps our biggest challenge. To date little research has been done which takes a fully integrated view to address this global challenge. Integrated decision making implies change across all parts of the diverse agri-food system, requiring an integrated assessment of all the processes involved from the ecology of the land through to nutrition and health. To address this research need, we propose a theoretical framework for integrated solutions based upon mapping of whole agri-food systems, their quantitative analysis based on enhanced life cycle assessment, the use of emergent data to catalyse viable and commercially attractive innovation and the free access of data to all stakeholders and in particular consumers as the principle engine for change. This integrated framework is conceptualised through theoretical development building from prior research. This theoretical framework involves an iterative methodology of four overlapping steps (Map, Analyse, Visualise and Share), namely the MAVS cycle. It gives a transparent advanced methodology and collaborative decision support to all stakeholders across the agri-food ecosystems. We hypothesize that this framework would provide a mechanism to break down the current barriers that prevent the integrated solutions absolutely necessary for global food security. We also theoretically position the perspective that it would break the “four walls” of information that reside within each organisation, fostering an open system that encourages a more democratized agri-food system, in which sustainability and resource efficiency are embedded.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. This is an author produced version of a paper subsequently published in Journal of Cleaner Production. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. |
Keywords: | Food security; Agrifood systems; Sustainability; Resource efficiency; Life cycle assessment |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Sheffield |
Academic Units: | The University of Sheffield > University of Sheffield Research Centres and Institutes > AMRC with Boeing (Sheffield) The University of Sheffield > Advanced Manufacturing Institute (Sheffield) > AMRC with Boeing (Sheffield) The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Science (Sheffield) > School of Biosciences (Sheffield) > Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (Sheffield) The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Social Sciences (Sheffield) > Management School (Sheffield) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Sheffield |
Date Deposited: | 21 Oct 2016 15:16 |
Last Modified: | 31 Aug 2017 06:19 |
Published Version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2015.08.092 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Elsevier |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1016/j.jclepro.2015.08.092 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:106280 |
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