A systematic literature review of data envelopment analysis implementation in agriculture under the prism of sustainability

Abstract

Safeguarding natural resources and energy is essential to ensure food security for future generations. Given the increase of published papers in the agricultural field applying Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), this review seeks to address the special requirements of this methodology when implemented in the agricultural sector as well as to classify papers under sustainability aspects (economic, environmental, social). More specifically, 120 papers from Scopus and Web of Science databases were included in this review by using PRISMA methodology, and they were tested in the following groups (i) General information, (ii) DEA implementation, (iii) DEA extensions, (iv) Data type, (v) Data collection and processing, and (vi) Sustainability dimensions. Results indicate that there is a great need for weights use when performing DEA in the agricultural sector, to acquire results with greater explanatory power. Moreover, systematic data collection of multiple factors could lead to the implementation of complex methodologies, providing feasible solutions to the involved stakeholders. Lastly, the social aspect is the least represented dimension out of the three aspects of sustainability, indicating the need for the integration of social factors in such analyses, especially when DEA is used to create a policy framework in a specific area.

Northern Lights: Prospecting Efficiency in Europe’s Renewable Energy Sector

“…This novel integration facilitates the selection of offshore wind and wave energy projects, demonstrating DEA's flexibility and effectiveness in navigating the intricate decision-making landscapes inherent in renewable energy projects [28]. Additionally, research by Kyrgiakos et al (2023) showcases DEA's application within the agricultural sector with a focus on sustainability, offering valuable insights into how the methodology can be leveraged to evaluate renewable energy initiatives through a comprehensive sustainability framework [29]. The groundbreaking work of Tavana et al (2023) and Chia-Nan Wang et al (2024) marks a significant evolution in DEA's application, incorporating behavioral theories and hybrid decision-making frameworks to refine and enhance the evaluation of renewable energy projects [30][31][32].…”

Assessing the Efficiency of Wheat Producers in Dihdadi District

“…The CCR model, proposed by Charnes and colleagues (1987), assumes constant returns to scale for all decision-making units (T. J. Coelli et al, 2005;Kyrgiakos et al, 2023). The constant return to scale model is used when decision-making units operate at their optimal scale (the part of the long-term average cost surface), while various factors such as imperfect competition, sudden financial constraints, weather fluctuations, pest outbreaks, and the like may cause these units not to operate at the optimal economic scale (Bjurek et al, 1990).…”

Penerapan Data Envelopment Analysis dalam Pengukuran Efisiensi Teknis Produktivitas Tanaman Jeruk di Kabupaten Sleman

“…Oleh karenanya dibutuhkan pendekatan Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), bertujuan untuk mengukur efisiensi produktivitas tanaman jeruk, dimana tahun sebelumnya yang sudah efisien dapat sebagai acuan untuk tahun berikutnya, agar mendapatkan jumlah produksi, total pohon yang menghasilkan buah dan luas panennya yang meningkat. Dari hasil analisa menunjukkan bahwa ada kebutuhan yang cukup kuat untuk menggunakan DEA di bidang pertanian, agar memperoleh hasil yang lebih jelas (Kyrgiakos, Kleftodimos, Vlontzos, & Pardalos, 2023). Sumber: (data.slemankab.go.id)…”