Abstract The solidarity economy, cultural heritage, and food sovereignty are interrelated concepts that can enhance the sustainability of food systems. The solidarity economy provides an alternative to the capitalist framework by prioritizing cooperation, social equity, and environmental sustainability. Cultural heritage is essential for preserving biodiversity and fostering ecological balance. Food sovereignty guarantees that food production and distribution honour cultural values and bolster local communities. This communication presents a critical analysis of components linked to the food sovereignty movement in the hill farming of Uttarakhand, India particularly concerning the solidarity economy and indigenous cultural practices.

Abstract This study explores the behavioural factors influencing consumer demand for biofortified foods in Nigeria using the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT). Using survey data of 314 adults analysed with structural equation modelling, the study extends PMT by incorporating knowledge and behavioural control as predictors and age and gender as moderators. Results revealed that perceived severity and intrinsic rewards significantly influence behavioural intention, self-efficacy and response efficacy have significant positive effects on consumer demand for biofortified foods. However, increased knowledge was negatively related to perceived vulnerability and positively associated with response cost. Gender and age moderate several of these relationships. Our study lends support to the fact knowledge is critical, we need real solution including addressing perceived barriers such as cost and accessibility; and highlights the need for persuasive communication to look beyond informing but managing complexities and brand communication. The study contributes to theory by contextualizing PMT within nutrition sensitive food systems and offers implication for market segmentation and effective communication in emerging economies.

Abstract In farm animal husbandry, communication strategies rely on consumers who are willing to receive information. However, people avoid using information – a behaviour known as information avoidance. Sweeny et al. (2010) identify three main motives for information avoidance: to avoid negative effects on action, affect or cognition. The meat paradox emphasizes cognitive dissonances. The present study employed Howell et al. (2016) information avoidance scale to measure the relationship between the occurrence and impact of the three motives on information avoidance. Based on an exploratory, non-random, small, self-selected, education- and diet-biased convenience sample, the motives showed selected significant and robustness-checked results on the tendency to avoid information. Expected negative emotional effect leads to stronger information avoidance, while expected cognitive contradictions to one’s own beliefs is associated with reduced information avoidance, i.e. affective and cognitive motives have opposite effects on information avoidance. This might imply that dissonance of the meat paradox might have shifted from a cognitive to a more affective level in the analysed sample. Implications suggest to tailor communication strategies to reduce emotional reactivity, for example by avoiding affective imagery. Target groups with higher openness, strong opponents of farm animal husbandry and those expecting to challenge their cognitive convictions are reachable via neutral, fact-based formats. Less open and those with less strong opposition as well as those with strong emotional motives are more difficult to reach due to their stronger information avoidance.

Abstract In the context of environmental sustainability, food waste is a major challenge. Digitalization and especially the proliferation of smartphones suggest the use of mobile apps to address food waste. One of the most important apps in Europe and the US is Too Good To Go. However, consumer intentions to use apps like Too Good To Go are largely unexplored. Based on a survey of 380 respondents in Germany, this paper uses a structural equation model to investigate the influence of sustainable consumption consciousness, price consciousness, and hedonic benefits on the intention to use apps against food waste. The results show that neither sustainable consumption consciousness nor price consciousness significantly influence the intention to use apps against food waste. Users use apps against food waste mainly for hedonic reasons. The results indicate that not only users with sustainable consumption consciousness are willing to use apps against food waste in the interest of sustainability. This research paper therefore makes an important contribution for companies in the food sector to better understand the intentions of consumers who use mobile apps to combat food waste. Furthermore, the paper provides important insights for developers of such apps for future development.

The recent changes in technological innovations in agriculture in the last decades are radically changing the paradigm of traditional cultivation techniques and these have already been the subject of research for some time. The present study aims to review the new trends of digital technologies adoption in precision agriculture. Starting from theoretical study models such as the Agriculture Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS), the Agricultural Innovation System (AIS) and the new modeling of the Farm Management Information System (FMIS), a review was carried out with the aim of identifying emerging adoption drivers for the implementation of precision agriculture technologies. To do this, 19 papers were analyzed in the period 2018-2021 that included empirical investigations. The results of the survey confirm the new adoption trends where, in addition to the size of the agricultural company, the geographical position and the financial resources, sociodemographic factors are included and above all the new emerging trend linked to environmental benefits.

The purpose of this study is the assessment of the competitiveness of the agro-industrial complex of Kazakhstan and the analysis of potential growth opportunities. Retrospective, dynamic, and structural analysis are the basis for assessing the current state of the agro-industrial sector. The analysis revealed weaknesses in the logistics infrastructure and a preponderance of antiquated and depreciated agricultural equipment, impeding production and quality. Despite the fact that investments were made easier by official support programmes, sector profitability remained poor. Modernising production assets, combining smallholder farms, and encouraging sustainable practices to boost long-term competitiveness are some of the major prospects found.

Food Loss and Waste (FLW) has primarily focused on quantifying causes. This article organizes literature on FLW determinants and effects in restaurants, analyzing 80 articles from Scopus and Web of Science. Findings reveal FLW in restaurants, which is determined by consumer behavior, restaurant management, and public policies, has economic and environmental effects. The study emphasizes the importance of investing in employee training and policies promoting FLW reduction. It also underscores the need for educating consumers on responsible consumption. Implementing these measures will contribute to fostering sustainable and efficient food systems, minimizing the adverse effects of food waste.

Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan has great potential, still, it is characterized by several problems. The aspects of normative-legal regulation of the agro-industrial complex of the Republic of Kazakhstan concerning financial relations in the sphere were summarized. The main statistical indicators of the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sectors of the state were analyzed. The analysis of the structure of investments in the enterprises of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries of the Republic of Kazakhstan was carried out. The main issues concerning the financing of agriculture of the state are defined and the directions of their solution are offered.

This study comprises theoretical and empirical analyses of differentiated voting rights in the governance of agricultural cooperatives with self-interest seeking members. A survey was conducted among representative samples of members and General Assembly delegates of a large Swedish dairy cooperative while two important decisions were under consideration. Because of the equal voting rights regime, the majority of small-scale farmers encouraged the General Assembly to reject both efficiency-raising measures. However, if the large-scale farmers had had more voting power, both proposals would have been accepted. Because of limited spatial competition, the large-scale members could not “voting by their feet”.

The article is aimed at disclosing statistical information on the production and processing of milk in the Akmola Region and Kazakhstan and drawing up a plan to improve the environmental and economic efficiency of dairy enterprises. The leading approach is the synthesis method, with the help of which a plan was developed to improve the environmental and economic efficiency of dairy enterprises in the Akmola Region. The results: statistics on the production and processing of milk for the period of 2016-2022 trends in the production and processing of milk in Kazakhstan and in the Akmola.