A recent study by Oriekhoe et al. (2024) titled “Review of technological advancements in food supply chain management: a comparative study between the US and Africa” published in the International Journal of Management & Entrepreneurship Research, shows that technological advancements in food supply chain management have significantly impacted both the United States and Africa, albeit in different ways.
“
Technology significantly enhances food supply chains, with the U.S. and Africa leveraging innovations uniquely yet effectively.– Oriekhoe et al. 2024
The article explores the challenges faced by the global food supply chain, such as demand volatility, perishability, and the need for efficient and sustainable practices. The study highlights how the U.S., with its advanced infrastructure and technology, uses tools like blockchain, IoT, and AI to enhance transparency, traceability, and efficiency. In contrast, Africa leverages mobile-based platforms, data analytics for smallholder farmers, and blockchain for transparent transactions to overcome infrastructural constraints and diverse agricultural practices. The article aims to provide insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers to foster cross-cultural learning and collaborative efforts for resilient, sustainable, and technologically advanced food supply chains worldwide.
How the Study was Conducted
The study employed a comprehensive review of existing literature and case studies. The authors compared the technological landscapes of the United States and Africa, examining how each region adopts and adapts technology to address challenges in the food supply chain. The study focused on key technologies such as blockchain, IoT, and AI, and analyzed their impact on transparency, traceability, and efficiency.
What the Authors Found
The authors found that technological advancements in food supply chain management have significantly impacted both the United States and Africa, albeit in different ways. The U.S. has a highly advanced and intricate food supply chain, leveraging technologies like blockchain, IoT, and AI to enhance transparency, traceability, and efficiency. Whereas Africa faces unique challenges such as infrastructural constraints and diverse agricultural practices. Despite these challenges, Africa has shown remarkable ingenuity in leveraging technology to overcome them. Innovations such as mobile-based supply chain platforms, data analytics for smallholder farmers, and blockchain for transparent transactions are being utilized.
Why is this important?
Enhanced Efficiency: By understanding and adopting advanced technologies, regions can optimize their food supply chains, reducing waste and improving overall efficiency.
Sustainability: The study highlights sustainable practices that can be adopted to ensure long-term food security while minimizing environmental impact.
Cross-Cultural Learning: By comparing the technological landscapes of the U.S. and Africa, the study fosters cross-cultural learning and collaboration, enabling regions to learn from each other’s successes and challenges.
Policy Development: Insights from the study can inform policymakers, helping them create supportive frameworks that encourage the adoption of innovative technologies in the food supply chain.
Resilience: The study emphasizes the importance of building resilient food supply chains that can withstand disruptions, such as those caused by climate change or global pandemics.
What the Authors Recommended
- The study suggests that both regions should prioritize investment in technology infrastructure to improve connectivity, implement IoT solutions, and adopt digital platforms.
- The authors advocate for foster international collaboration in research and development to address shared challenges, promote knowledge exchange, and accelerate the adoption of innovative technologies.
- The authors also recommend that policymakers should establish programs to empower local farmers and stakeholders with the skills required to leverage advanced technologies effectively.
- Governments should enact policies that incentivize innovation in the food supply chain, provide support for startups, offer research grants, and create regulatory frameworks that encourage the adoption of new technologies.
- Finally, governments should encourage partnerships between public and private entities to facilitate the integration of technological solutions into the food supply chain, sharing resources, expertise, and funding for impactful initiatives.
In conclusion, the study by Oriekhoe et al. (2024) underscores the transformative potential of technology in addressing global food supply chain challenges. By examining the contrasting yet complementary approaches of the United States and Africa, it highlights the importance of innovation, cross-cultural collaboration, and policy support in building resilient and sustainable food systems. Embracing these insights can pave the way for more efficient, equitable, and future-ready food supply chains worldwide.
The African Research (AR) Index is a comprehensive scholarly directory and database focused explicitly on journal publishers that publish and disseminate African research.
