International trade in agricultural commodities can spur economic development, especially where governance is strong, but there are also concerns about the local impacts of commodity production and distribution. CCSF UI is involved in transdisciplinary research to analyze the social impacts of agricultural trade beyond traditional metrics such as global food security and economic growth. The research emphasizes the importance of considering multidimensional well-being and equity outcomes that result from agricultural trade activities. By delving into the complex social-ecological system, the framework aims to capture the multiple social impacts resulting from interactions between socio-economic factors, institutional drivers, and environmental conditions at various scales.
The framework developed in this article serves as a guide for assessing the social impacts of agricultural trade, focusing on the components and processes that influence different social outcomes. It highlights the need to move beyond a narrow focus on economic indicators and environmental impacts to incorporate a broader understanding of well-being and equity in trade practices. By identifying core components of local production and trade in agricultural commodities, the framework enables a nuanced analysis of the social impacts associated with trade activities in key commodities such as cocoa, soy, palm oil and coffee.
Through the application of the conceptual framework, the research sheds light on how social impacts in producing regions evolve as a result of interventions along global value chains. By considering factors such as institutions, policies, incentives, and technology, the framework provides a structured approach to studying the changing social landscape influenced by agricultural trade. Ultimately, the article contributes to the ongoing discourse on sustainable development by providing a systematic framework for assessing and potentially improving the welfare and equity outcomes of agricultural trade, while acknowledging the existence of trade-offs in pursuing these goals. Let’s explore this research through this link!
A Framework to Understand the Social Impacts of Agricultural Trade
