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Improving governance arrangements for vegetable value chains in sub-Saharan Africa: the case of Bahir Dar, Ethiopia and Cotonou, Benin
No full textInternational audienceImproved governance arrangements are central in strengthening value chains with sustainable, resilient farming and healthy nutrition. This study explored governance arrangements important to the vegetable value chains in Food System Labs in Bahir Dar (Ethiopia) and Cotonou (Benin). The study collected data through face-to-face interviews from different actors including input suppliers, producers, processors, wholesalers, retailers and from different supporting institutions such as credit organizations in the vegetable value chains in the two regions. The paper uses descriptive analysis for quantitative data, content analysis for qualitative data, and the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis method in the context of the indicator-based assessment framework to examine governance arrangements. Results indicate that multiple but also alternating modes of governance arrangements exist along the vegetables value chain. Spot market relations dominate at the successive stages of the value chain where different actors randomly interact at every transaction. Relational governance in terms of information sharing is notable among producers who attach high relevance to farmer associations as well as traders who largely trust and source information from amongst themselves. The value chains are typical of limited collaboration between actors coupled with weak processing skills. In addition, unconducive storage facilities undermine the potential of upgrading despite changing preferences and growing demand for vegetables. The study recommends development and strengthening of actor organizations such as cooperatives and associations, provision of an enabling environment where vegetable value chains can thrive, and national level efforts to develop post-harvest handling skills and infrastructure, as well as exploitation of last mile digitization initiatives to increase competitiveness of vegetable trade
Climate neutrality framework
No full textThis document (Deliverable D4.1 - GRANULAR project) presents a comprehensive framework designed to guide rural communities towards climate neutrality. The framework integrates objective indicators, a carefully curated set of policy measures, and actionable strategic recommendations to support local decision-making and track progress over time. It employs quantitative metrics such as greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and waste management, which are refined for local application using methods like IPAT-based downscaling. These approaches ensure that data collected at broader scales is effectively adapted to reflect the unique conditions of rural areas. The policy measures incorporated in the framework are drawn from established sources and focus on critical areas including renewable energy, transportation, sustainable agriculture, and waste management. Each policy is paired with both process and impact indicators, enabling local authorities to monitor real-time implementation and evaluate long-term outcomes. Public interest data, gathered through Google Trends analysis, informs a hybrid weighting approach that aligns technical rigor with community priorities, while stakeholder input further validated these findings. This framework offers a practical and adaptable tool that bridges local actions with broader sustainability objectives. By aligning technical assessment with regional priorities and validated stakeholder perspectives, it empowers rural communities to design, monitor, and refine their strategies for achieving climate neutrality. The framework not only supports effective policy development but also redefines rural prosperity by integrating environmental sustainability with social inclusion, laying a solid foundation for a more sustainable and resilient future. The Climate Neutrality Framework file consists of four documents:- the Report presenting a comprehensive framework designed to guide rural communities towards climate neutrality,- the Factsheets on the chosen Indicators reflecting the different dimensions necessary for assessing climate neutrality,- and two supporting Excel files to complement the findings and framework outlined in the Report: (i) the "Indicators Data File" providing the results of the climate neutrality scoring framework, and (ii) the " Policy Measures File" as a curated catalog of policy measures collected from leading European platforms
Data Management Plan
No full textThis Data Management Plan (DMP) covers the activities and production of datasets, indicators and deliverables required to achieve the aims and objectives of the GRANULAR project. Detailed strategies, recommendations and good practices for data management in line with Open Science and Scientific Integrity principles are provided in the deliverable D1.3 Data Management Plan - version 1. This document, which should be seen as a second version complementary to D1.3, sets out the key recommendations and practices agreed at project level for ensuring FAIR data, with a description of the data management lifecycle for each project research output.Ce plan de gestion des données (DMP) couvre les activités et la production de jeux de données, d'indicateurs et de produits livrables nécessaires pour atteindre les buts et objectifs du projet GRANULAR. Des stratégies détaillées, des recommandations et des bonnes pratiques pour la gestion des données conformément aux principes de la Science Ouverte et de l'Intégrité Scientifique sont fournies dans le livrable D1.3 Plan de Gestion des Données - version 1. Ce document, qui doit être considéré comme une deuxième version complémentaire de D1.3, présente les principales recommandations et pratiques convenues au niveau du projet pour garantir des données FAIR, avec une description du cycle de vie de la gestion des données pour chaque résultat de recherche du projet
Assessing the economic impact of insect pollination on the agricultural sector: A department-level case study in France
No full textInternational audiencePollination is a critical ecosystem service for agriculture, with 76 % of European food crops and 80 % of wild plants depending on it. However, bee populations are declining due to diseases, pesticides, and climate change, with major economic and environmental impacts. In France, pollination services are valued between 2,3 and 5,3 billion euros annually, but detailed data at the department scale (NUTS 3) is lacking. This study aims to fill this gap by quantifying the economic value of crop production (EVCP), the economic value of insect pollination (EVIP), and agricultural vulnerability to pollinator loss across all French departments. We analyzed data from 2022 for 34 major crops, of which 26 are pollinator-dependent, applying the dependence ratio method to estimate pollination contributions. We also developed a generalized additive model (GAM) to identify the main drivers of spatial variation in EVIP per hectare. We estimate France's economic value of crop production at 34,8 billion € and economic value of insect pollination at 4,2 billion €, with an agricultural vulnerability rate of 12 %. The highest economic value of insect pollination per hectare was recorded in Loire-Atlantique (19302,5 €/ha) and the lowest in Seine-Saint-Denis (575,5 €/ha). By analyzing crop-specific dependencies and regional production patterns, the study reveals that southern and western France, particularly departments specialized in fruit and vegetables, are most economically dependent and vulnerable to pollinator decline. The GAM explained 97.6 % of the variability in EVIP per hectare, revealing that fruit and vegetable cultivation strongly drives pollination value. The results highlight spatial disparities in pollination dependency and underscore the need for territorially targeted conservation strategies. Compared to previous studies, our findings suggest a significant underestimation of pollination value, highlighting the need for fine-scale entomological research and territorially targeted conservation strategies to support sustainable agricultural development. However, the study has some limitations: certain crop prices had to be approximated, dependence ratios were fixed and do not account for local ecological conditions, and some minor crops were excluded. Despite these constraints, the results remain robust and provide a reliable basis for territorialized conservation policies
Analysis of origin labelling schemes in the Southern Mediterranean countries: the case of Deglet Nour of Tolga in Algeria
No full textInternational audienceGeographical indications protect products whose quality, reputation and other characteristics are attributable to their geographical origins. Their recognition as intellectual property rights (IPR) by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) has established a legal framework against imitation and illicit appropriation of their names, thus contributing to the development of initiatives for the recognition of products under GI on an international scale, particularly in the countries of the Southern Mediterranean. Through the case of Algeria, we show the specific complexity of setting up a labelling system by quality signs related to origin. Our study is based on the analysis of the process of setting up the GI for Deglet Nour dates of Tolga in order to identify the key success factors as well as the obstacles to this labelling. To do this, a documentary analysis and semi-structured interviews were conducted. The results of the analysis show that the obstacles to the success of this labelling are mainly institutional and organisational. On the one hand, the institutional framework is finalised but reveals limitations, particularly in the accreditation process of certifying bodies. On the other hand, the governance and management mechanisms of the label do not currently seem to constitute a strong incentive for the actors in the value chain, particularly for the implementation of marketing strategies
Digital transformation of food supply chain management using blockchain: a systematic literature review towards food safety and traceability
No full textInternational audienceThe global food supply chain has become increasingly complex, with products often traversing multiple countries and involving numerous actors. This complexity has led to significant challenges in ensuring food safety, traceability, and authenticity, exacerbating issues such as food loss, fraud, and financial hazards. Blockchain technology emerges as a promising solution to these challenges, offering a decentralized and immutable ledger that enhances transparency, traceability, and security throughout the supply chain. This article explores the systematic literature review of blockchain applications in food supply chains, highlighting key factors driving its adoption, such as the need for enhanced traceability, food safety, and consumer trust. The review examines various blockchain platforms, including Ethereum and Hyperledger, and their integration with ancillary technologies like IoT and smart contracts. It also discusses the potential of blockchain to address food fraud, improve operational efficiency, and promote sustainability. The article delves into the challenges and limitations of blockchain implementation, including financial constraints, integration complexities, and data accuracy issues. It concludes by proposing a conceptual architecture for integrating blockchain and AI to further revolutionize food supply chain management, ensuring a more secure, transparent, and efficient food ecosystem
How can digital technology use and innovation contribute to sustainable transformation of business models in the agri-food sector?
No full textInternational audienceThe expectations of digital technologies in sustainable agricultural development are considerable. However, applying these technologies in agri-food value chains can have downsides, which are still barely studied. The main objectives of this systematic literature review were to discover the state of the art of the research in the use of digital technologies in business models contributing to sustainability in the agri-food sector, and to make recommendations for future research and management practice. In order to bring concepts together, develop a theoretical framework and advance knowledge, performing a literature review is conducive. This review worked with the commonly-used PRISMA-method to develop a systematic literature review. From this review, an overview of factors of digitalisation in business models of agri-food value chains were distinguished. Key themes that were found in the literature were the effects of COVID-19 on digitalisation and business resilience, the sustainability of business models in economic sense, and the importance of communication technologies in agri-food value chains. This paper argues that even though digital technologies can enhance social interaction, the human element can be lost in the process. Even if one business makes successful use of digital technologies, other actors in local and international value chains might not profit. The paper recommends for future research and management practice to use a framework that looks through a value co-creation and open innovation perspective to both the business model level and the interaction between (sustainable) business models in local and global food systems
Underutilised crops in Europe: an interdisciplinary approach towards sustainable practices
No full textInternational audienceIn the context of a rapidly growing global population and significant climatic and environmental change, there is an urgent need to produce nutritious food in a sustainable manner. Some crops are underutilised in Europe, despite their suitability to local environments, viability for sustainable production and potential to improve diets. Rye ( Secale cereale ) has a long history of cultivation in Europe, yet is underutilised owing to complex historical, socio‐cultural, socio‐political, socio‐economic and agronomic factors. This paper explores an innovative, cross‐sectoral approach that harmonises existing datasets from archaeology, plant science, nutrition and policy, and establishes an interdisciplinary dialogue to tackle this challenge
Confronting a date monoculture in Tunisia: Can underused date varieties decrease farm economic vulnerability?
No full textInternational audienceCrop diversity is promoted for its environmental benefits. However, few analyses have been conducted on whether crop diversity can reduce farm economic vulnerability to multiple production stresses. Deglet Noor is the most frequently grown variety of date in Kebili Region, Tunisia. Other date varieties, termed "common date varieties", were formerly considered to be less profitable and hence marginalised. Date production in this region is facing constraints linked to climate change, decreasing water availability and rising labour costs. The study compares the economic benefits of producing Deglet Noor dates and common date varieties at farm level, when faced with different production stresses. A survey was made of 123 farmers producing dates in Kebili Region. In the absence of stress, Deglet Noor is the most profitable variety, but its profitability is particularly vulnerable to different stresses. By contrast, the profitability of common date varieties is much less sensitive to these stresses. Stress-free environments become increasingly rare in Tunisian oases. Hence, re-directing interest towards common date varieties could help build less vulnerable oasis farming systems
The sustainability performance of agricultural cooperatives: A systematic literature review
No full textInternational audienceThis study examines how the literature addresses the sustainability performance of agricultural cooperatives through four key dimensions: economic and financial, environmental, social and governance. As key entities within the social economy, agricultural cooperatives play a crucial role in advancing sustainable development goals due to their community‐oriented structure, democratic governance based on the user–owner principle and strong territorial ties. We systematically review 274 articles published between 1991 and 2024 that address at least one dimension of the sustainability performance of agricultural cooperatives. Our thematic analysis reveals a significant increase in published studies since 2018, covering a wide range of countries and agricultural products. While the literature predominantly focuses on the economic and financial dimension—either alone or in combination with other dimensions—the environmental, governance and social dimensions are significantly underrepresented, especially in Europe and North America, and in specific sectors such as wine production. In addition, many studies lack a solid theoretical foundation. Overall, the sustainability performance of agricultural cooperatives remains a complex and evolving issue, and this study highlights avenues for future research to improve knowledge and practice