Search results
1 – 10 of 123Soheil Kazemian, Rashid Zaman, Mohammad Iranmanesh and Zuraidah Mohd Sanusi
This study examines the carbon emissions of Australia’s agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors from a consumption perspective to develop effective policy frameworks. The…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the carbon emissions of Australia’s agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors from a consumption perspective to develop effective policy frameworks. The objective is to identify key supply chains, industries and products contributing to these emissions and provide recommendations for sustainable development.
Design/methodology/approach
A multiregional input-output lifecycle assessment was conducted using the Australian Industrial Ecology Virtual Laboratory (IELab) platform to disaggregate sectors and enable benchmarking against other economic sectors.
Findings
In 2018, the “agriculture, forestry, and fishing” sector was responsible for 12.15% of Australia’s carbon footprint. Major contributors included the “electricity, gas, water, and waste” category (26.1%) and the sector’s activities (24.3%). The “transport, postal, and warehousing” sector also contributed 18.4%. Within the industry, the agriculture subsector had the highest impact (71.3%), followed by forestry and logging (15%) and fishing, hunting and trapping (7.6%). Aquaculture and supporting services contributed 6.1%.
Research limitations/implications
The principal constraint encountered by the present study pertained to the availability of up-to-date data. The latest accessible data for quantifying the carbon footprint within Australia’s agriculture, forestry and fishing sector, utilizing the Input-Output analysis methodology through the Australian Industrial Ecology Virtual Laboratory (IELab) platform, about 2018.
Practical implications
The findings of this study provide policymakers with detailed insights into the carbon footprints of key sectors, highlighting the contributions from each subsector. This information can be directly used to develop effective emission-reduction policies, with a focus on reducing emissions in utility services, transport and warehousing.
Social implications
The study, by raising public awareness of the significant role of industrial agricultural methods in Australia’s carbon footprint and emphasizing the importance of renewable energy and sustainable fuels for electricity generation and road transport, underscores the urgent need for action to mitigate climate change.
Originality/value
This study stands out by not only identifying the most impactful industries but also by providing specific strategies to reduce their emissions. It offers a comprehensive breakdown of specific agricultural activities and outlines mitigation strategies for utility services, agricultural operations and transport, thereby adding a unique perspective to the existing knowledge.
Details
Keywords
The research paper aims to explore how tour guides can contribute to regenerative tourism and the ways in which natureculture guiding practices align with stakeholder interests…
Abstract
Purpose
The research paper aims to explore how tour guides can contribute to regenerative tourism and the ways in which natureculture guiding practices align with stakeholder interests and the perspectives of tourism futures.
Design/methodology/approach
The ethnographic study used a multispecies approach to nature-based tourism in Arctic Norway and Sápmi, incorporating a Sámi methodology and non-human relationality.
Findings
The tour guides recognise that they are part of a more-than-human world and practice ethics that are responsible for their relations to non-human actors. Transformative experiences that are active learning opportunities can strengthen a sense of care within the tourists and pose as potential regenerative incomes in local communities, instead of extractive industries. Local knowledge and Sámi ways of being have a vital role in the tour guides' natureculture practices, which can revitalise cultural heritage and strengthen Indigenous empowerment.
Practical implications
The article suggests that tourism management and local governments must prioritise the support of tour guide initiatives involving restorative properties for socio-ecological systems. Citizen science and cultural activities are some ways that can generate a thriving ecosystem and create meaningful interactions between local communities and tourists.
Originality/value
The research highlights the unique role of tour guides as intermediaries who can translate regenerative principles into action, communicate the essence of place and take part in innovative collaborations. Tour guide practices align with the stakeholder view that tourism futures should benefit the communities and respect ecological limits.
Details
Keywords
Serafina Stone, Zannie Langford, Risya Arsyi, Imran Lapong, Zulung Zach, Radhiyah Ruhon, Boedi Julianto, Irsyadi Siradjuddin, Annie Wong and Scott Waldron
Poor post-harvest handling practices by seaweed farmers are a key issue in seaweed value chains, contributing to low-quality seaweed being supplied to processors. To address this…
Abstract
Purpose
Poor post-harvest handling practices by seaweed farmers are a key issue in seaweed value chains, contributing to low-quality seaweed being supplied to processors. To address this, a range of advanced drying technologies and methods have been developed, yet uptake by farmers remains low. This study examines factors affecting drying technology uptake by seaweed farmers to identify opportunities to incentivise improved drying practices.
Design/methodology/approach
This study draws on a quantitative survey of 273 seaweed farmers in two villages in South Sulawesi, 16 months of ethnographic fieldwork and 166 semi-structured interviews.
Findings
Farmers engage in limited adoption of improved drying technologies and practices as they don't receive higher prices for higher quality products, instead aiming to meet only the minimum acceptable standards to avoid a price discount or rejection of their product. Technologies and techniques that have been adopted are often used in ways that differ from their original purpose, such as to reduce drying times and labour input, rather than to produce products of low moisture and dirt contents. Similarly, local traders mix high- and low-quality seaweed in order to supply warehouses with seaweed which on average meets minimum quality standards.
Originality/value
This study reveals that improved drying practices are unlikely to be adopted unless incentivised by more targeted price-grade differentials.
Details
Keywords
Alberto Cavazza, Francesca Dal Mas, Maura Campra and Valerio Brescia
This study aims to investigate the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applied to vertical farms to evaluate whether disrupting technology supports sustainability and increases…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applied to vertical farms to evaluate whether disrupting technology supports sustainability and increases strategic business model choices in the agricultural sector. The study responds through empirical analysis to the gap on the subject of AI-driven business models present in the growing sector literature.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper analyzes the case of “ZERO”, a company linked to the strategy innovation ecosystem of the Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Italy. The empirical data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire, interviews and the analysis of public news on the business model available in the analyzed case study. The research is empirical and uses exploratory, descriptive analysis to interpret the findings. The article focuses on the evaluation of AI impact on the agricultural sector and its potential to create new business models.
Findings
The study identified how AI can support the decision-making process leading to an increase in productivity, efficiency, product quality and cost reduction. AI helps increase these parameters through a continuous learning process and local production, and the possible decrease in prices directed toward the goal of zero km food with fresh products. AI is a winning technology to support the key elements of the vertical farm business model. However, it must be coupled with other devices, such as robots, sensors and drones, to collect enough data to enable continuous learning and improvement.
Research limitations/implications
The research supports new research trends in AI applied to agriculture. The major implication is the construction of ecosystems between farms, technology providers, policymakers, universities, research centers and local consumer communities.
Practical implications
The ZERO case study underlines the potential of AI as a destructive technology that, especially in vertical farms, eliminates external conditions by increasing productivity, reducing costs and responding to production needs with adequate consumption of raw materials, boosting both environmental and social sustainability.
Originality/value
The study is original, as the current literature presents few empirical case studies on AI-supporting business models in agriculture. The study also favors valuable strategic implications for the policies to be adopted in favor of new business models in agriculture.
Details
Keywords
Heba Saeed and Medhat Abdel Hameed Al Atrees
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the need to establish linkages between tourism, intangible cultural heritage and creativity in Egypt and also diversifying tourism through…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the need to establish linkages between tourism, intangible cultural heritage and creativity in Egypt and also diversifying tourism through creativity; and to analyze and explain the impact of intangible cultural heritage on tourism experience in Egypt and the opportunities to generate added value from integrating tourism and creativity. It also suggests some practical steps for developing intangible cultural heritage-based tourism models in Egypt.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper proposes a conceptual framework for integrating intangible cultural heritage with tourism in Egypt and its impact on tourism experience. To apply this framework, a case study was conducted focused on the tourism experience derived from intangible cultural heritage in Alexandria. The authors collected primary data by directly observing and experiencing tourism in Egypt, providing valuable firsthand experiential data. These observations offered insights into the practical aspects of intangible cultural heritage-based tourism in Egypt. In addition, secondary data sources such as academic research papers, reports and publications related to tourism and intangible cultural heritage experiences were utilized to support and complement the primary data.
Findings
Findings suggest the need for a different approach in intangible heritage based tourism promotion and consumption, an approach that may differ from the conventional and typical considerations in cultural tourism planning and management. In addition, findings emphasized that tourism-based intangible heritage in Egypt can be a constructive platform and sustainable tool to promote the country’s rich culture and traditions while providing employment opportunities for the local population.
Research limitations/implications
This study provides an exploratory overview of integrating intangible heritage with tourism in Egypt, through exploring Egypt’s intangible heritage and proposing a framework of its inclusion, in order to create an intangible cultural heritage tourism experience. However, the proposed framework and packages should be analyzed and examined on the ground through the heritage, administrative, social and tourist aspects of the destination, to assess the viability of the study.
Practical implications
The practical implications of this study should be addressed to the decision makers working on management action plans in tourist destinations in Egypt, such as site mangers as well as tour operators. It could contribute to adopting a new approach in developing and implementing a mutually beneficial partnership between intangible heritage and tourism in Egypt.
Originality/value
It is the first study that presents practical steps to develop new models for linking intangible heritage to tourism in Egypt.
Details
Keywords
Pushpendra Singh and Falguni Pattanaik
Since the post-liberalization era, a noticeable structural change and transition in employment have unfolded within the Indian economy. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to…
Abstract
Purpose
Since the post-liberalization era, a noticeable structural change and transition in employment have unfolded within the Indian economy. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to understand employment transition and elucidate the evolving dynamics of rural economies and employment patterns from agriculture to more productive non-agricultural sectors. Additionally, the study investigates the underlying causes of socioeconomic disparities and their repercussions on employment trends.
Design/methodology/approach
To address the aforementioned issues, this study utilised secondary data from labour surveys conducted by the National Sample Survey Organisation spanning from 2004–05 to 2023. Initially, the study computed the magnitude of employment in both agriculture and non-agriculture sectors. Subsequently, the distribution of non-agricultural labour across various socioeconomic characteristics was estimated. Furthermore, a logistic regression model was employed to evaluate the impact of socioeconomic factors on employment choices. Finally, Fairlie’s decomposition model was applied to elucidate workers’ decisions to engage in non-agricultural sectors.
Findings
The study reveals a significant rise in rural non-agricultural employment, from 98.4 m in 2004–05 to 193.3 m in 2023, indicating changing job preferences. Notably, the construction and trade sectors emerge as significant drivers of this trend. However, self-employment and casual labour persist, highlighting job vulnerability. Additionally, women and marginalised individuals with low levels of education and socioeconomic status lag behind in non-agricultural employment.
Originality/value
This study makes a significant contribution by offering a thorough analysis of the employment transition from agriculture to non-agriculture over a span of two decades. It provides valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of employment trends.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-11-2023-0904.
Details
Keywords
Florent Govaerts and Themistoklis Altintzoglou
A limited number of studies have aimed at understanding behavior towards animal welfare. However, there are indications that consumers make an important distinction between land…
Abstract
Purpose
A limited number of studies have aimed at understanding behavior towards animal welfare. However, there are indications that consumers make an important distinction between land animals and fish. As no studies have attempted to explain the factors that influence consumer behavior towards the welfare of fish, this study aims to explain the behavior using the value–belief–norm (VBN) model. In addition, we extend the model by using empathy as a factor influencing the formation of personal norms. This study argues that by adding empathy to the model, we will improve the ability of the VBN to explain moral behavior.
Design/methodology/approach
The study is based on survey data from 416 Norwegian consumers. A structural equation modeling analysis with latent constructs is used to test the hypotheses.
Findings
The findings validate the ability of the VBN model to explain consumer intention to buy products containing fish with better welfare. We also showed that empathy and beliefs strongly influence personal norms. The extended VBN model increased the explained variance of personal norm by 11,54%. Consumers with biospheric values are strongly likely to have empathetic feelings towards fish suffering and believe that fish can feel pain. However, consumers with hedonistic values are significantly negatively related to beliefs and empathy.
Practical implications
By understanding the role of empathy, companies can develop marketing strategies that appeal to consumers' values, empathy and beliefs and ultimately encourage them to make purchases that support fish welfare.
Originality/value
Practically, this study explores consumers' beliefs towards fish welfare and identifies consumers who are more likely to purchase products containing fish with better welfare based on their values.
Details
Keywords
Xianwei Lyu, Omkar Dastane and Xiaoguang He
Food SMEs is the backbone of local and world economy. Even while food SMEs are aware of the potential advantages of implementing supply chain analytics (SCA), only a small number…
Abstract
Purpose
Food SMEs is the backbone of local and world economy. Even while food SMEs are aware of the potential advantages of implementing supply chain analytics (SCA), only a small number of companies use data-based decision-making. This is because of technophobia. In light of this, the purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that have an impact on SCA adoption which in turn influence the sustainable performance of firms.
Design/methodology/approach
The data were collected from 221 managers working in food-related SMEs in China by using a questionnaire-based survey. The framework of this study was validated using a rigorous statistical procedure using the technique, namely, partial least squares structural equation modelling.
Findings
The findings of this study suggest that all modified UTAUT components (i.e. performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions and technophobia) significantly influence SCA adoption. Moreover, the existing study highlights and confirms the significance of adopting SCA to improve sustainable performance.
Originality/value
This research is novel, as it extends and investigates the theoretical framework based on UTAUT theory in SCA context and its impact on sustainable organizational performance. In addition, the factor of technophobia is tested in SCA context. This study has several contributory managerial implications for food SMEs.
Details
Keywords
Deodat Mwesiumo, Bella Belerivana Nujen, Anette Utvær and Martin Orheim
This study seeks to explore the strategies purchasing and supply managers can employ to navigate the challenges presented by low-probability-high-impact (LPHI) disruptions. The…
Abstract
Purpose
This study seeks to explore the strategies purchasing and supply managers can employ to navigate the challenges presented by low-probability-high-impact (LPHI) disruptions. The core aim is to create a process framework that provides a systematic, step-by-step method to help purchasing and supply managers effectively deal with the chaos triggered by LPHI events.
Design/methodology/approach
The study draws on qualitative data collected from eight firms operating within different industries (healthcare, fishing, food retail and manufacturing), where two firms represented each industry. The data underwent a thorough analytical process involving open coding, axial coding and aggregation of categories, resulting in the identification and formulation of overarching themes.
Findings
The analysis unveiled five primary challenges purchasing and supply management (PSM) encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic. These include supply shortages, supplier opportunism, the imperative to build a new supply base, price volatility and the need to make critical decisions based on limited information. It also identified contingent factors that influenced the magnitude of these challenges and approaches applied to address them. Additionally, it identified five responses to the challenges and two contingent factors that affected the responses.
Originality/value
This study extends the existing body of knowledge in purchasing and supply management by developing a process framework tailored to assist purchasing and supply managers in effectively addressing LPHI disruptions. To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the first studies to offer a structured, step-by-step approach that guides PSM professionals in navigating the chaos likely to be caused by such events.
Details
Keywords
Joseph Ikechukwu Uduji, Nduka Vitalis Elda Okolo-Obasi, Justitia Odinaka Nnabuko, Geraldine Egondu Ugwuonah and Josaphat Uchechukwu Onwumere
The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the multinational oil companies’ (MOCs) corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in Nigeria. Its special focus is to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the multinational oil companies’ (MOCs) corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in Nigeria. Its special focus is to investigate the impact of the global memorandum of understanding (GMoU) on mainstreaming gender sensitivity in cash crop market supply chains in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper adopts an explanatory research design with a mixed method to answer the research questions and test the hypotheses. A total of 1,200 rural women respondents were sampled across the Niger Delta region.
Findings
Results from the use of a combined logit model and propensity score matching indicate a significant relationship between the GMoU model and mainstreaming gender sensitivity in cash crop market supply chains in the Niger Delta.
Research limitations/implications
This study implies that MOCs’ CSR interventions that improve women’s access to land and encourage better integration of food markets through improved roads and increased mobile networks would enable women to engage in cash crop production.
Social implications
This implies that improving access to credit through GMoU cluster farming targeted at female farmers would improve access to finance and extension services for women in cash crop production in the Niger Delta.
Originality/value
This research contributes to the gender debate in the agricultural value chain from a CSR perspective in developing countries and is rational for demands for social projects by host communities. It concludes that businesses have an obligation to help solve problems of public concern.
Details