Sustainability and Multi-Capital Integration in Agri-Food Supply Chains: A Comprehensive Systematic Review

The transition toward sustainable agri-food supply chains demands holistic strategies that harmonize environmental stewardship, economic viability, and social equity. Grounding our analysis in a systematic review of 75 peer-reviewed studies (2014–2024), we reveal how multi-capital integration the dynamic interplay of natural, financial, social, and human capitals—propels sustainability forward. Natural capital emerges as the bedrock of resilient systems, yet its potential remains untapped in developing economies due to fragmented policies and chronic underinvestment. Financial capital acts as the linchpin for scaling sustainable technologies, though persistent barriers curtail smallholders' access. Social capital’s transformative power manifests through robust producer networks, yet hinges on cultivating trust amidst competing interests. Human capital shines as the catalyst for innovation, with targeted training programs yielding measurable upticks (up to 40%) in sustainable adoption rates. Our synthesis crystallizes three pivotal contributions: (1) an integrative framework mapping capital synergies, (2) evidence-based policy levers for resource-constrained regions, and (3) a clarion call for metrics that capture social and human capital’s intangible dividends. Despite glaring disparities in research focus (72% centered on affluent economies), our findings illuminate actionable pathways to orchestrate inclusive, climate-smart agri-food systems.