Using Artificial Intelligence to Tackle Food Waste and Enhance the Circular Economy: Maximising Resource Efficiency and Minimising Environmental Impact: A Review
Helen Onyeaka,
Phemelo Tamasiga,
Uju Mary Nwauzoma
et al.
Abstract:Food waste is a global issue with significant economic, social, and environmental impacts. Addressing this problem requires a multifaceted approach; one promising avenue is using artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. This article explores the potential for AI to tackle food waste and enhance the circular economy and discusses the current state of food waste and the circular economy, highlighting specific ways that AI can be used to monitor and optimise food production and supply chains, redistribute exces… Show more
“…Thirdly, the level of Circular Economy adoption depends on the awareness of businesses and households. Raising awareness about social and environmental issues is a common concern in developing countries, as governments and citizens increasingly prioritize economic goals [31,32] .…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Researchers have also recognized that the application of scientific and technological achievements promotes the Circular Economy. According to Onyeaka et al, artificial intelligence can boost the Circular Economy in agriculture by enhancing intercropping, and crop rotation, reducing chemical fertilizer abuse, and improving land use efficiency [32] . Internet of Things (IoT) technology can enhance resource, energy, and water management efficiency.…”
The development of a circular economy in agricultural production has become a trend for many countries, especially as global natural resources worldwide are increasingly depleting. Therefore, the economic model transition to address the challenge of balancing economic growth and environmental protection, in general, and the plan for agricultural production development, in particular, is highly necessary. In this study, the authors examine the factors influencing the level of circular economy application in agriculture in Vietnam. The research employs a survey method using questionnaires to collect data from individuals and households engaged in the agriculture sector in Vietnam. Out of the 500 distributed questionnaires, 421 valid responses were collected. The influencing factors will be measured using a Likert scale, and to assess their reliability, the authors used Cronbach’s Alpha and inter-item correlation coefficients. To test the research hypotheses, the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) method is utilized. The results reveal that among the factors included in the principal component analysis, financial factors have the strongest influence, followed by technological application, awareness, production scale, and finally, government policies. In summary, this study sheds light on the importance of various factors influencing the adoption of circular economy practices in agriculture. It can provide valuable information to policymakers, enabling them to make informed macro and micro-level decisions aimed at increasing the proportion of businesses applying circular economy principles in agricultural production.
“…Thirdly, the level of Circular Economy adoption depends on the awareness of businesses and households. Raising awareness about social and environmental issues is a common concern in developing countries, as governments and citizens increasingly prioritize economic goals [31,32] .…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Researchers have also recognized that the application of scientific and technological achievements promotes the Circular Economy. According to Onyeaka et al, artificial intelligence can boost the Circular Economy in agriculture by enhancing intercropping, and crop rotation, reducing chemical fertilizer abuse, and improving land use efficiency [32] . Internet of Things (IoT) technology can enhance resource, energy, and water management efficiency.…”
The development of a circular economy in agricultural production has become a trend for many countries, especially as global natural resources worldwide are increasingly depleting. Therefore, the economic model transition to address the challenge of balancing economic growth and environmental protection, in general, and the plan for agricultural production development, in particular, is highly necessary. In this study, the authors examine the factors influencing the level of circular economy application in agriculture in Vietnam. The research employs a survey method using questionnaires to collect data from individuals and households engaged in the agriculture sector in Vietnam. Out of the 500 distributed questionnaires, 421 valid responses were collected. The influencing factors will be measured using a Likert scale, and to assess their reliability, the authors used Cronbach’s Alpha and inter-item correlation coefficients. To test the research hypotheses, the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) method is utilized. The results reveal that among the factors included in the principal component analysis, financial factors have the strongest influence, followed by technological application, awareness, production scale, and finally, government policies. In summary, this study sheds light on the importance of various factors influencing the adoption of circular economy practices in agriculture. It can provide valuable information to policymakers, enabling them to make informed macro and micro-level decisions aimed at increasing the proportion of businesses applying circular economy principles in agricultural production.
“…3 Similarly, in the quest for zero hunger (SDG 2), AI aids in optimizing agricultural practices, predicting food shortages, and streamlining food distribution networks to reduce waste. 4 Moreover, AI contributes to improving healthcare (SDG 3) through enhanced diagnosis accuracy, personalized treatment plans, and expanded access to medical services, particularly in remote or underserved regions. 5 Education (SDG 4) benefits from AI-powered adaptive learning platforms, offering personalized learning experiences and addressing individual student needs effectively.…”
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into various sectors has reshaped how societies address environmental challenges and pursue sustainable development. In India, a country grappling with complex environmental issues amidst rapid technological advancement, understanding the implications of AI on the environment and sustainable development is crucial. This paper explores the multifaceted impact of AI on environmental sustainability in India, delving into its potential benefits, challenges, and the path forward. By conducting a thorough examination of available literature, case studies and policy frameworks, this paper aims to provide comprehensive insights into how AI can be leveraged to address environmental concerns and foster sustainable development in the Indian context.
“…Overall, reducing food waste is a vital step towards establishing a sustainable and circular food system (FAO, 2022;Gao et al, 2021;Onyeaka et al, 2023;Patala et al, 2022).…”
The circular economy (CE) has gained global attention for its potential to promote sustainable production and consumption through continuous growth and the efficient use of resources. Despite several reports highlighting its benefits, there is still a lack of concrete and proven studies examining the importance of institutional pressures for the transition towards CE in food supply chains. This study aims to address this gap by conducting a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to identify the drivers and barriers to the institutionalisation of CE in food supply chains, and to propose practical and managerial implications for achieving this transition through institutional pressure. We reviewed 25 studies and conducted a descriptive analysis of papers per year and journal, followed by a categorical thematic analysis. The results indicate that normative pressures were the most frequently identified among the different institutional pressures, followed by mimetic and coercive pressures. Therefore, promoting CE in food supply chains may require the implementation of laws, policies, and strict governance to reduce risks. This paper contributes to the existing literature and provides valuable insights for researchers and practitioners interested in the transition towards a CE in food supply chains.
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