GPSS Researchers Publish Study on ICTs for Sustainable Food Systems in South Africa

Dr. Alexandros Gasparatos, Dr. Merle Naidoo and Mr. Robert Massimo Alfonsi, a doctoral candidate from the Graduate Program in Sustainability Science at the University of Tokyo published a study in Environment, Development and Sustainability titled "Stakeholder perspectives for information and communication technologies (ICTs) for sustainable food systems in South Africa: challenges, opportunities and a proposed ICT framework."

The researchers conducted 31 expert interviews in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban with key stakeholders representing academia, government, ICT developers, civil society, and the private sector. They elicited stakeholder perceptions on the adoption, impacts and priority areas for ICTs to enhance food system sustainability in South Africa. The findings were synthesized to propose an overarching ICT framework reflecting stakeholder priorities.

The study identifies improved market access for small-scale producers, increased consumer awareness, enhanced supply chain transparency, reduced food waste and shifts to agroecological farming as key benefits of ICTs. However, high internet costs, low digital literacy, funding access, shortage of developers and corporate misconduct pose significant barriers. Major opportunities include creating reliable ICT funding mechanisms, reducing ICT costs, and developing cohesive ICT policies for food system interventions. The proposed ICT framework offers a roadmap for future research and policymaking.

The findings highlight the need for multi-stakeholder initiatives and government support to overcome barriers and harness ICTs' potential for sustainable food systems in South Africa and potentially other developing countries. The ICT framework can guide the development of individual food-related ICTs that are socially attuned and impactful.

The full study can be accessed here: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-024-04838-5

Readers are invited to explore the research and engage in discussions on leveraging ICTs for sustainable food system transformation in developing countries.

Lead author of this research work, Mr. Robert Massimo ALFONSI is a doctoral student at GPSS