Waste minimization in agri-food supply chain: perspective for sustainable development

Wastage of food is a significant problem for worldwide sustainability due to the quick pace of industrialization, increasing demand for food, and worries about food safety. Approximately one-third of the food produced for human consumption is lost or discarded, significantly negatively affecting society, the environment, and the economy. To address this challenge, this study proposes a model for minimizing wastage in the agri-food supply chain (AFSC) for developing economies focusing on sustainability. The study combines critical success factors theory, stakeholder theory, and fuzzy set theory and applies the evidential reasoning approach to create a framework that identifies and prioritizes the most crucial factors for waste minimization in the AFSC of developing countries. These factors are evaluated based on social, environmental, economic, and operational criteria. The study identifies seventeen critical success factors for waste minimization in AFSC. Among these factors, strategic planning, logistics, inventory management, physical and resilient infrastructure, technology planning, and digital transformation are the most significant, necessitating the utmost attention. The study conducts a trade-off analysis to determine the importance and changing behavior of CSFs. Findings will help the managers and the decision-makers develop successful policies and make well-informed decisions promoting sustainable development by reducing waste in the AFSC.