INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)

ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue X October 2025

Page 1145

www.rsisinternational.org

From Risk to Resilience in Food Security: A Review of Circular

Economy Strategies in Agricultural Trade Networks

Zulkhairi Nisa., Irlisuhayu Mohd Ramli

Faculty of Business Management, Department of Economics, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan

Kedah, 08400 Merbok, Kedah, Malaysia

*Corresponding Author

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.910000096

Received: 02 October 2025; Accepted: 10 October 2025; Published: 05 November 2025

ABSTRACT

Agricultural systems worldwide face mounting challenges from resource depletion, climate variability, and

rising food insecurity, necessitating innovative solutions that balance productivity with sustainability. The

circular economy (CE) framework has emerged as a promising pathway to address these challenges by

promoting waste reduction, resource efficiency, and sustainable value creation. However, the integration of CE

principles into agricultural trade networks remains fragmented, and limited attention has been given to the role

of digital technologies and nutrient management in strengthening resilience and food security. This study aims

to examine the thematic landscape of CE applications in agriculture, identify consistent, rising, and novel

themes, and explore their implications for theory and practice.

A systematic review method was adopted, drawing on peer-reviewed literature and bibliometric insights from

Scopus to map the evolution of CE research in agriculture. The analysis revealed four thematic clusters: (i)

consistent themes, including agro-industrial waste management through recycling and valorization; (ii) rising

themes, particularly the integration of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital twins, and

advanced analytics in circular agriculture; and (iii) novel themes, including nutrient circularity in agri-food

systems and sustainable approaches to agricultural waste treatment. Collectively, these themes underscore a shift

from traditional waste management to more technologically advanced and ecologically embedded approaches.

The findings carry both theoretical and practical implications. Theoretically, the study extends resilience and

sustainability frameworks by situating CE as a multidimensional strategy for adaptive agricultural systems.

Practically, the results highlight actionable opportunities for policymakers, agri-businesses, and smallholder

farmers to reduce environmental impacts, improve efficiency, and strengthen food system resilience. Ultimately,

the study calls for integrative, interdisciplinary, and equity-focused research to scale CE practices, with

particular attention to digital innovation and nutrient management in global agricultural trade.

Keywords: food security, agricultural trade, resilience, sustainability, supply chain

INTRODUCTION

Food security remains one of the most pressing global challenges of the 21st century, particularly as agricultural

trade networks are increasingly disrupted by climate change, market volatility, geopolitical instability, and

resource scarcity. Traditional linear models of production and trade—characterized by high resource extraction,

waste generation, and vulnerability to shocks—are ill-suited to meet the long-term sustainability and resilience

needs of the global food system. In this context, the circular economy (CE) has emerged as a transformative

paradigm, offering strategies for waste reduction, resource efficiency, and regenerative practices that can

strengthen the resilience of agri-food supply chains (Roy et al., 2025; Fatima & Ying, 2025).

Recent scholarship has begun to narrow its focus on the role of CE within agricultural trade networks as a

pathway to improving both environmental sustainability and economic resilience. For instance, valorization of

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)

ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue X October 2025

Page 1146

www.rsisinternational.org

by-products in the olive oil supply chain has demonstrated the potential of CE to stabilize agri-food businesses

against market fluctuations (Spada et al., 2025). Similarly, closed-loop resource optimization through

thermochemical conversion of agricultural waste into biochar has enhanced efficiency in jujube supply chains

(Darouni et al., 2025). Multi-stakeholder collaboration has also been highlighted as a critical factor, as seen in

the coconut value chain in Kenya, where inclusive farmer groups facilitated greater access to information, credit,

and market linkages (Muriuki et al., 2024). These studies underscore the growing recognition that CE strategies

can contribute significantly to resilience in food systems.

Despite these advances, critical problems and barriers persist. Structural issues such as legal uncertainties, lack

of financial incentives, and technological immaturity continue to hinder the full implementation of CE practices

in agricultural trade networks (Yontar, 2025). Furthermore, gender inequalities and socio-cultural barriers

restrict women’s participation in CE-driven food security initiatives (Tantoh et al., 2025), while limited

consumer awareness and restricted market access pose challenges for smallholder farmers (Vásquez Neyra et

al., 2025). These barriers highlight a significant research gap: although CE is recognized as a promising pathway,

the literature remains fragmented, lacking an integrated synthesis of how circular strategies can systematically

build resilience across agricultural trade networks and contribute to global food security.

This review seeks to address this gap by analyzing the literature at the intersection of circular economy,

resilience, and agricultural trade networks. Specifically, it aims to (i) map the evolution of research in this

domain, (ii) construct a conceptual framework that integrates CE pathways with resilience-building mechanisms,

(iii) identify emerging themes and expert perspectives, and (iv) highlight areas requiring further investigation.

Through this approach, the study leverages tools such as concept mapping, topic expert identification, and

emerging theme analysis to provide a holistic understanding of the research landscape.

The contribution of this paper is threefold. First, it systematically synthesizes fragmented case studies and

thematic insights into a coherent framework linking CE with resilience in agri-food trade. Second, it identifies

key barriers and enabling conditions for CE adoption, providing practical and policy-relevant insights for

enhancing food system resilience. Third, it advances scholarly discourse on food security by integrating

economic, social, and environmental dimensions of CE within agricultural trade networks.

The remainder of this paper is structured as follows. Section 2 details the methodology, including the Scopus

AI-assisted bibliometric analysis. Section 3 develops a conceptual framework linking CE and resilience in trade

networks. Section 4 synthesizes emerging themes and expert contributions, while Section 5 critically discusses

challenges, opportunities, and policy implications. Finally, Section 6 presents the conclusion and future research

agenda.

METHODOLOGY

This review employed Scopus AI, accessed on 25 September 2025, to systematically analyze the intersection of

circular economy (CE), resilience, and agricultural trade networks. Scopus AI was selected because of its

capacity to integrate advanced bibliometric mapping, conceptual clustering, and expert insights, which enable a

more robust and multi-dimensional understanding of evolving research landscapes (Donthu et al., 2021). The

methodological process involved five stages: (i) Summary generation, (ii) Expanded Summary synthesis, (iii)

Concept Map development, (iv) Topic Expert identification, and (v) Emerging Theme extraction.

First, the Summary function in Scopus AI provided a concise overview of the literature retrieved with the

following Boolean search string:

("circular economy" OR "sustainable economy" OR "closed loop" OR "resource efficiency") AND ("agriculture"

OR "farming" OR "agribusiness" OR "food production") AND ("trade" OR "commerce" OR "exchange" OR

"market") AND ("strategy" OR "approach" OR "policy" OR "framework") AND ("network" OR "system" OR

"chain" OR "link"). This search yielded 523 peer-reviewed documents spanning 2010–2025, including journal

articles, book chapters, and conference proceedings. The summary output highlighted a growing body of

research connecting CE strategies with agricultural sustainability, global food trade dynamics, and resilience

frameworks.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)

ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue X October 2025

Page 1147

www.rsisinternational.org

Second, the Expanded Summary provided a structured synthesis, emphasizing four dominant research clusters:

(a) CE applications in agri-food supply chains, (b) resilience and adaptation strategies in global trade networks,

constraints. This step was essential in moving beyond descriptive mapping toward critical categorization of

recurring concepts (Roy et al., 2025; Yontar, 2025).

Third, a Concept Map was generated to visualize interconnections across the literature. The map illustrated

linkages between CE pathways (e.g., waste valorization, bio-based inputs, closed-loop farming) and resilience

outcomes (e.g., diversification of trade flows, adaptive networks, and reduced systemic vulnerabilities).

Importantly, it positioned agricultural trade systems as the nexus where sustainability strategies intersect with

global food security (Spada et al., 2025; Li et al., 2024).

Fourth, Scopus AI identified Topic Experts, defined as authors with the highest impact in terms of publication

frequency, citation networks, and thematic specialization. Among them were leading contributors to CE in

agriculture (Roy et al., 2025), resilience in trade networks (Tsoulfas, 2025), and systemic barriers in food supply

chains (Yontar, 2025). This validation step ensured the review engaged with authoritative voices in the field.

Finally, the Emerging Themes function highlighted frontiers in the literature, including gender-responsive CE

strategies (Tantoh et al., 2025), digital innovations for resilient supply chains (Darouni et al., 2025), and insect-

based circular farming models (Sokame et al., 2024). These themes demonstrated the forward trajectory of

research and provided direction for addressing unresolved gaps.

Through this five-stage process, the review not only synthesized existing knowledge but also constructed a

conceptual framework integrating CE strategies with resilience in agricultural trade networks. This

methodological design directly supports the study’s aim to analyze the research area, construct conceptual

linkages, identify expert perspectives, and uncover emerging themes for advancing food security and sustainable

trade systems. Figure 1 shows the Cycle of Conceptual Framework Development.

Figure 1: Cycle of Conceptual Framework Development

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

The synthesis of literature retrieved through Scopus AI (25 September 2025) underscores that the integration of

circular economy (CE) strategies into agricultural trade networks has gained increasing recognition as a pathway

toward achieving food security and resilience. The results from the summary analysis revealed that CE practices

are primarily applied in agri-food supply chains with the aim of minimizing waste, enhancing resource

efficiency, and strengthening adaptive capacities against global trade disruptions. These findings align with

evidence from case studies such as the olive oil and coconut value chains, where valorization of by-products and

stakeholder collaboration contributed to greater economic resilience and reduced vulnerability to market

fluctuations (Spada et al., 2025; Muriuki et al., 2024).

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)

ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue X October 2025

Page 1148

www.rsisinternational.org

Expanded summary

The expanded summary further illustrated that environmental sustainability remains the most prominent

domain of CE applications. By closing material loops, agriculture systems are able to reduce food loss, recycle

nutrients, and generate renewable energy, thereby mitigating ecological footprints and contributing to

regenerative agricultural practices (Jain & Virk, 2024; Rufí-Salís et al., 2024). Such strategies extend the

lifecycle of agricultural resources, particularly in urban and peri-urban contexts, where circular agriculture

supports efficient water, waste, and energy use. Importantly, food waste reduction emerged as a consistent

outcome across multiple studies, confirming that CE strategies offer not only environmental but also social

benefits by addressing systemic inefficiencies in food production and distribution chains (Wang et al., 2021;

Facchini et al., 2023).

Concept Map

Figure 2: Concept Map of Circular Economy in Agriculture

As shown in Figure 2, three primary thematic clusters emerge: Innovation and Technology, Agri-food Supply

Chains, and Strategies for Food Security. Each of these clusters highlights the diverse pathways through which

circular economy (CE) principles are being operationalized within agricultural systems to strengthen resilience

and sustainability.

Circular Economy in Agriculture

Circular economy in agriculture involves implementing a revolutionary approach to promote sustainability and

resource efficiency, offering benefits such as waste reduction, resource conservation, and improved profitability.

Key elements of this approach include a holistic framework, efficient resource use, waste management, and

collaboration among stakeholders. The circular economy model aims to minimize the impact on the environment

by reducing resource inflow and waste generation throughout the agricultural life cycle. However, challenges

such as gender inequalities, land ownership disparities, and inadequate integration of a gender perspective in

agricultural programs hinder the adoption of circular agriculture and its potential to enhance food security. The

application of circular economy principles in agriculture is still in its early stages, with a growing interest in

recent years, particularly from an environmental perspective. The integration of circular economy principles in

agriculture is seen as a pathway towards achieving a harmonious balance between economic growth and

environmental preservation.

Circular Economy in Agriculture and Innovation and Technology

The findings reveal that innovation and technology serve as the backbone of circular economy (CE)

implementation in agriculture, offering pathways to achieve sustainability, resilience, and resource efficiency.

CE in agriculture emphasizes the minimization of inputs and outputs across the food system by adopting

innovative approaches such as precision agriculture, smart farming, and renewable energy integration (Roy et

al., 2025). These innovations enhance productivity while reducing environmental degradation, ensuring that

agricultural systems can respond more effectively to climate change and food security challenges. Technology

thus acts as both an enabler and accelerator of CE adoption in agriculture.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)

ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue X October 2025

Page 1149

www.rsisinternational.org

Emerging technological innovations, such as Industry 4.0 tools, Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and

artificial intelligence, are transforming agricultural trade and supply chains by enabling traceability, real-time

monitoring, and efficient resource allocation (Darouni et al., 2025). For example, IoT-based soil sensors and

drones can optimize water and fertilizer use, aligning with CE principles of resource efficiency and waste

reduction. Blockchain-based traceability systems, in turn, enhance transparency and trust in agri-food trade,

reducing losses while ensuring fair market access. Such innovations demonstrate that CE adoption is intrinsically

linked to advancements in digital and technological solutions.

In addition to technological tools, innovation in business models and social practices is critical for fostering CE

in agriculture. Social innovations, including collaborative platforms, farmer cooperatives, and participatory

decision-making systems, enhance the integration of CE practices at local and global scales (Jayalath et al.,

2025). These approaches encourage inclusive participation in agricultural innovation, ensuring that smallholder

farmers, women, and marginalized groups benefit from CE-driven resource efficiency. This demonstrates that

innovation in CE extends beyond technology into the social domain, reshaping governance structures and value

distribution within agricultural trade networks.

Despite the potential, several barriers hinder the alignment of CE and technological innovation in agriculture.

Financial constraints, lack of technical capacity, and limited infrastructure in developing countries restrict the

widespread adoption of advanced technologies (Yontar, 2025). Furthermore, issues of digital inequality and

uneven access to technological resources create disparities in who benefits from CE practices. Without targeted

policy frameworks and capacity-building programs, technological innovations may reinforce existing

inequalities instead of promoting equitable sustainability. This underscores the need for multi-level strategies

that integrate technological innovation with institutional and policy support.

In summary, the relationship between CE in agriculture and innovation and technology is symbiotic and

transformative. Technological advancements provide the tools necessary to operationalize CE principles, while

CE frameworks create a context in which such innovations can generate social, economic, and environmental

benefits. Together, they redefine agricultural production and trade systems to be more resilient, sustainable, and

inclusive. However, realizing this synergy requires overcoming systemic barriers and ensuring that innovation

pathways are accessible, equitable, and aligned with broader sustainability goals.

Circular Economy in Agriculture and Agri Food Supply Chain

The results of the literature review show that the circular economy (CE) plays a crucial role in reshaping the

agri-food supply chain by promoting sustainability, resource efficiency, and reduced environmental impacts. CE

principles encourage a shift from the traditional linear “take–make–dispose” model toward a system that

prioritizes resource reuse, recycling, and regeneration (Roy et al., 2025). In agriculture, this translates into

practices such as reducing food waste, converting agricultural by-products into value-added resources, and

integrating renewable energy into farming systems. Such approaches strengthen agri-food supply chains by

minimizing resource inputs and losses, while simultaneously enhancing food security and resilience.

Innovation in supply chain design under CE is driven by technological advancements and system-level

integration. For example, digital platforms and Industry 4.0 technologies enable traceability, real-time

monitoring, and predictive analytics across agri-food networks, aligning with CE objectives of transparency and

efficiency (Darouni et al., 2025). By embedding CE into agri-food supply chain management, producers and

distributors are able to optimize logistics, reduce inefficiencies, and cut greenhouse gas emissions. These

innovations not only improve environmental outcomes but also enhance competitiveness and market access for

agricultural producers.

Furthermore, CE principles in agri-food supply chains contribute to value creation by transforming waste streams

into productive resources. Circular strategies, such as composting, bioenergy production, and upcycling of food

waste, reduce pressure on natural resources while generating new revenue opportunities (Jayalath et al., 2025).

This creates a regenerative system where waste is minimized and economic benefits are maximized, fostering

long-term resilience. The integration of CE into supply chains thus strengthens the interlinkages between food

production, trade, and sustainability, ensuring that agricultural outputs align with global sustainability goals.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)

ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue X October 2025

Page 1150

www.rsisinternational.org

Despite its benefits, the adoption of CE in agri-food supply chains faces challenges. Barriers include financial

limitations, lack of technical expertise, and fragmented governance structures in developing economies (Yontar,

2025). Smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of many agri-food supply chains, often lack access to capital

and technologies required to implement CE strategies effectively. Moreover, trade and supply chain networks

are often dominated by linear models, making the transition toward CE slow and uneven. Without supportive

policy frameworks, stakeholder collaboration, and targeted capacity building, the potential of CE to transform

agri-food supply chains remains underutilized.

In summary, the relationship between CE and the agri-food supply chain is transformative, creating opportunities

for efficiency, resilience, and sustainability. By closing resource loops and fostering collaboration across the

production, distribution, and consumption stages, CE ensures that supply chains become more adaptive to

environmental and economic challenges. However, systemic barriers highlight the need for integrated strategies

that combine innovation, governance, and stakeholder participation to ensure the widespread adoption of CE in

agri-food supply chains.

Circular Economy in Agriculture and Strategies for Food Securities

The results highlight that circular economy (CE) principles have a significant impact on shaping strategies for

food security by fostering sustainability, resilience, and resource efficiency. By adopting CE practices such as

reducing food loss, recycling agricultural by-products, and promoting resource-efficient farming, agricultural

systems can increase productivity while minimizing environmental degradation (Mubarak et al., 2024). These

strategies are critical to ensuring the long-term availability and accessibility of food, particularly in regions

vulnerable to climate change and resource scarcity. CE thus provides a framework for integrating environmental

stewardship into food security policies.

One of the strongest connections between CE and food security strategies is waste management and food loss

reduction. Globally, approximately one-third of food is wasted, representing not only economic inefficiency but

also missed opportunities to feed millions (Galanakis, 2021). CE strategies, such as valorizing food waste into

compost, bioenergy, or animal feed, ensure that nutrients are reintroduced into the system, strengthening food

availability and affordability. In this way, CE addresses the dual challenge of reducing waste while improving

food distribution and access, thereby aligning with the key dimensions of food security: availability, access,

utilization, and stability.

Additionally, CE enhances resilience in food systems by diversifying sources of production and reducing

dependency on finite inputs. For example, regenerative agriculture and circular nutrient cycles reduce reliance

on chemical fertilizers and promote soil health, which supports stable crop yields over time (De Boeck et al.,

2023). By embedding CE principles into strategies for food security, countries can build adaptive systems that

are less vulnerable to supply chain disruptions, market volatility, and environmental shocks. This resilience is

particularly important in developing economies where food insecurity remains a pressing challenge.

However, the integration of CE into food security strategies also faces systemic challenges. Barriers such as

inadequate infrastructure for waste recovery, lack of supportive policy frameworks, and insufficient stakeholder

collaboration hinder the large-scale implementation of CE (Yontar, 2025). Moreover, socio-economic

inequalities—such as unequal land access, gender disparities, and financial constraints—limit the ability of

smallholder farmers to adopt CE-based practices (Mubarak et al., 2024). Addressing these challenges requires

coordinated efforts across governments, private sectors, and communities to ensure that CE strategies are

inclusive and equitable.

In conclusion, the relationship between CE and strategies for food security is transformative, offering a pathway

toward sustainable, resilient, and inclusive food systems. By minimizing waste, optimizing resources, and

promoting regenerative practices, CE provides practical solutions to global food security challenges. Yet,

realizing this potential requires overcoming systemic barriers through integrated governance, innovation, and

international cooperation. Embedding CE within food security strategies not only secures present needs but also

safeguards the ability of future generations to access sufficient and nutritious food.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)

ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue X October 2025

Page 1151

www.rsisinternational.org

Topic Expert

The review of topic experts highlights the centrality of closed-loop agricultural systems in advancing circular

economy (CE) strategies for food security. Magi M. Richani’s work emphasizes the integration of plant and

animal protein production within sustainable frameworks. This approach reflects a forward-thinking paradigm

in agricultural innovation, as it redefines production models beyond the linear “take-make-dispose” cycle. By

aligning with CE principles, Richani underscores the potential of resource reuse and interdependence between

crop and livestock systems, thereby reducing waste and enhancing efficiency. This innovation is particularly

relevant in strengthening resilience in food security, as it minimizes vulnerabilities inherent in traditional systems

while fostering adaptive capacity (Richani, n.d.).

Thomas J. Stoddard offers complementary insights, drawing on extensive research in agricultural biotechnology

and closed-loop system efficiency. His contributions highlight the integration of animal proteins into plant

systems, which serves as a novel biotechnology pathway to enhance sustainability. By focusing on resource

optimization, Stoddard demonstrates how closed-loop biotechnology can mitigate risks associated with resource

scarcity, global trade disruptions, and environmental degradation. His body of work provides evidence of how

CE strategies can leverage advanced biotechnology to create resilient agri-food systems, thereby ensuring more

reliable food supplies under conditions of uncertainty (Stoddard, n.d.).

Meanwhile, J. Thomas Carrato extends this discussion by focusing on modern frameworks that incorporate

closed-loop systems in plants expressing animal proteins. His exploration of these cutting-edge methods signals

a commitment to addressing systemic inefficiencies within agricultural production. Carrato’s work aligns closely

with CE principles by promoting innovations that reduce external inputs while enhancing productivity. This

contribution is critical for global agricultural trade networks, as it suggests pathways to harmonize productivity

with sustainability, ensuring that agricultural systems can adapt to the dual pressures of climate change and

market volatility (Carrato, n.d.).

Taken together, these experts illustrate that closed-loop systems are a unifying theme in advancing CE strategies.

Richani brings attention to integrated frameworks that safeguard agricultural practices, Stoddard highlights

biotechnological innovation for sustainable production, and Carrato contributes to the modernization of food

systems through plant-animal protein synergies. Collectively, their work underscores how CE can be

operationalized in agriculture through both biological and technological pathways. This convergence highlights

that achieving resilience in food security is not solely about reducing waste but also about reimagining

production systems to be regenerative and adaptive.

The findings from these topic experts reinforce the importance of innovation-driven CE strategies in shaping

resilient agricultural trade networks. By embedding sustainability into production processes, these contributions

demonstrate practical applications of CE that directly enhance food security. Furthermore, they reveal a broader

implication: the future of resilient agriculture will rely not only on policy interventions and market diversification

but also on scientific innovation and biotechnology as enabling mechanisms. Thus, the integration of expert

perspectives affirms the necessity of multi-disciplinary collaboration in advancing CE strategies for sustainable

and resilient food systems.

Emerging Themes

Consistent Theme: Circular Economy in Agro-Industrial Waste Management

A consistent theme across the literature is the application of circular economy (CE) principles in agro-industrial

waste management, reflecting the field’s long-standing interest in transforming agricultural by-products into

value-added resources. Research shows that strategies such as the conversion of agricultural residues into

biochar, compost, or bioenergy not only minimize waste but also contribute to soil fertility, carbon sequestration,

and reduced greenhouse gas emissions (Darouni et al., 2025; Yontar, 2025). The continued emphasis on waste

valorization highlights its established role as a cornerstone of sustainable agricultural practices. This theme

underscores the importance of leveraging circular strategies to close material loops and reduce the environmental

footprint of agri-food supply chains (Spada et al., 2025).

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)

ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue X October 2025

Page 1152

www.rsisinternational.org

Potential hypotheses derived from this consistent theme suggest that agro-industrial waste can be effectively

converted into biochar and other sustainable products, while the adoption of CE strategies in waste management

could significantly reduce the carbon footprint of agricultural practices. These findings reaffirm the crucial role

of waste valorization as an established dimension of CE strategies and emphasize its enduring relevance for

resilience in food systems.

Rising Theme: Digital Technology in Circular Agriculture

A rising theme identified in recent studies is the integration of digital technologies into CE-based agricultural

systems. Tools such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, digital twins, and advanced analytics are

increasingly employed to optimize resource use, reduce waste, and improve sustainability outcomes (Fatima &

Ying, 2025; Tsoulfas, 2025). These innovations enable precision farming, enhance transparency in supply

chains, and improve decision-making processes, thereby aligning closely with CE goals of efficiency and

resilience.

The growing interest in digital agriculture marks a shift toward more technologically driven approaches to food

security and sustainability. Potential hypotheses suggest that AI and digital twin applications can significantly

reduce agricultural waste by optimizing resource use and improving supply chain management. Moreover, such

technologies can facilitate precise and sustainable farming practices, strengthening the operationalization of CE

principles within agricultural trade networks. This indicates that digital tools are not merely supportive but may

become transformative drivers of future CE strategies in agriculture.

CONCLUSION

This review set out to explore the intersection of circular economy (CE), resilience, and agricultural trade

networks, with the aim of mapping research developments, identifying emerging themes, and highlighting

pathways for future resilience in food systems. The findings reveal that CE strategies such as waste valorization,

resource efficiency, nutrient circularity, and the integration of digital technologies hold substantial potential to

strengthen food security and sustainability. Consistent themes, particularly agro-industrial waste management,

underscore the long-standing relevance of transforming agricultural residues into value-added products, while

rising themes like digital agriculture demonstrate the sector’s increasing pivot toward technology-driven

solutions. Novel directions, such as nutrient circularity and sustainable waste treatment, highlight the expanding

frontiers of CE in agriculture and its capacity to redefine food production systems.

From a theoretical perspective, this study contributes to the literature by positioning circular economy strategies

as a unifying framework that integrates environmental sustainability, economic resilience, and social inclusivity

within agricultural trade systems. It advances the understanding of resilience theory by showing how CE

pathways operationalize adaptive capacity, robustness, and recovery in global agri-food supply chains.

Moreover, the integration of emerging technological themes broadens existing models of agricultural resilience,

emphasizing the role of digital innovation in complementing traditional ecological and economic theories.

The practical implications of this study are equally significant. For policymakers, the findings highlight the

need to design supportive regulatory environments, incentive mechanisms, and gender-responsive policies that

encourage CE adoption. For practitioners and agri-food businesses, CE practices ranging from biochar

production to vermicomposting and precision agriculture offer tangible opportunities to lower costs, reduce

waste, and diversify income sources. For international trade networks, adopting CE principles can mitigate risks

associated with supply disruptions, price volatility, and environmental shocks, thereby fostering greater stability

and resilience in global food systems.

Despite these contributions, the study is not without limitations. First, the reliance on published literature and

Scopus AI outputs may exclude gray literature and region-specific practices, potentially narrowing the scope of

insights. Second, much of the available evidence remains case-based or conceptual, with limited empirical data

on the long-term economic and social impacts of CE strategies in agricultural trade networks. Finally, gender

dimensions and equity considerations are often underexplored in existing studies, which restricts a holistic

understanding of inclusivity in CE adoption.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)

ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue X October 2025

Page 1153

www.rsisinternational.org

To address these gaps, future research should prioritize longitudinal and comparative studies that evaluate the

scalability of CE strategies across different agricultural systems and geographies. Interdisciplinary approaches

that integrate environmental science, economics, and digital technology are needed to fully capture the

multidimensional impacts of CE on resilience. Moreover, future inquiries should emphasize equity by exploring

how CE frameworks can better support marginalized groups, including smallholder farmers and women, in

agricultural trade networks. Building stronger links between digital innovation, policy frameworks, and trade

dynamics will also be crucial for advancing both theory and practice in this evolving field.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude to the Kedah State Research Committee, UiTM Kedah

Branch, for the generous funding provided under the Tabung Penyelidikan Am. This support was crucial in

facilitating the research and ensuring the successful publication of this article.

REFERENCES

1. Castro, A. J., López-Rodríguez, M. D., Giagnocavo, C., Gimenez, M., Céspedes, L., La Calle, A.,

Gallardo, M., Pumares, P., Cabello, J., Rodríguez, E., Uclés, D., Parra, S., Casas, J., Rodríguez, F.,

Fernandez-Prados, J. S., Alba-Patiño, D., Expósito-Granados, M., Murillo-López, B. E., Vasquez, L. M.,

& Valera, D. L. (2019). Six collective challenges for sustainability of Almería greenhouse horticulture.

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(21), 4097.

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16214097

2. Chiaraluce, G., Bentivoglio, D., & Finco, A. (2021). Circular economy for a sustainable agri-food supply

chain: A review for current trends and future pathways. Sustainability, 13(16), 9294.

https://doi.org/10.3390/su13169294

3. Darouni, H., Barzinpour, F., & Kalantari Khalil Abad, A. R. (2025). Data-driven stochastic programming

for sustainable agricultural supply chain design: Toward the circular economy. Journal of Environmental

Management, 393, 127121. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.127121

4. Dovgal, O., Potryvaieva, N., Bilichenko, O., Kuzoma, V., & Borko, T. (2024). Agricultural sector

circular economy development: Agroecological approach. Ekonomika APK, 31(4), 10–22.

https://doi.org/10.32317/ekon.apk/4.2024.10

5. Facchini, F., Silvestri, B., Digiesi, S., & Lucchese, A. (2023). Agri-food loss and waste management:

Win-win strategies for edible discarded fruits and vegetables sustainable reuse. Innovative Food Science

and Emerging Technologies, 83, 103235. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ifset.2022.103235

6. Farooque, M., Zhang, A., & Liu, Y. (2019). Barriers to circular food supply chains in China. Supply

Chain Management, 24(5), 677–696. https://doi.org/10.1108/SCM-10-2018-0345

7. Gedam, V. V., Raut, R. D., Lopes de Sousa Jabbour, A. B., Tanksale, A. N., & Narkhede, B. E. (2021).

Circular economy practices in a developing economy: Barriers to be defeated. Journal of Cleaner

Production, 311, 127670. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.127670

8. Ghisellini, P., Cialani, C., & Ulgiati, S. (2016). A review on circular economy: The expected transition

to a balanced interplay of environmental and economic systems. Journal of Cleaner Production, 114, 11–

32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2015.09.007

9. Humberto, J. S., Briceño, C. E. B., Zanon, L. G., & Nagano, M. S. (2025). Exploring the barriers to

circular economy implementation in agricultural sector: A way forward to achieve sustainable

development goal 2 (Zero Hunger). Circular Economy and Sustainability.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s43615-025-00624-1

10. Hynni, A., Käyhkö, J., & Kuhmonen, T. (2025). Factors explaining the differences in the adoption of

circular economy measures among farms in Southwest Finland. Agricultural and Food Science, 34(1),

12–37. https://doi.org/10.23986/afsci.146997

11. Jain, N., & Virk, S. (2024). Circular economy in agriculture. In Impact of women in food and agricultural

development (pp. 79–88). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-3037-1.ch005

12. Jayalath, M. M., Perera, H. N., Ratnayake, R. M. C., & Thibbotuwawa, A. (2025). Harvesting

sustainability: Transforming traditional agri-food supply chains with circular economy in developing

economies. Cleaner Waste Systems, 11, 100264. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clwas.2025.100264

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)

ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue X October 2025

Page 1154

www.rsisinternational.org

13. Khatami, F., Cagno, E., & Khatami, R. (2024). Circular economy in the agri-food system at the country

level—Evidence from European countries. Sustainability, 16(21), 9497.

https://doi.org/10.3390/su16219497

14. Kirchherr, J., Reike, D., & Hekkert, M. (2017). Conceptualizing the circular economy: An analysis of

114 definitions. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 127, 221–232.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2017.09.005

15. Lower, L., Cunniffe, J., Cheng, J. J., & Sagues, W. J. (2022). Coupling circularity with carbon negativity

in food and agriculture systems. Journal of the ASABE, 65(4), 849–864.

https://doi.org/10.13031/ja.14908

16. Mhlanga, N. (2022). Circular economy and agribusiness: Opportunities and challenges for sustainable

development. Food Policy, 107, 102216. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodpol.2021.102216

17. Muriuki, T. E., Ayuya, O. I., & Oloo, B. O. (2024). Towards circular production system in the coconut

value chain: Actor, roles, linkage and constraints in Kilifi County, Kenya. Cogent Social Sciences, 10(1),

2362903. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2024.2362903

18. Naz, F., Ali, S., Karim, A., & Ahmad, M. (2023). Circular economy practices and sustainable agriculture:

A review of global trends. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 30(25), 67845–67861.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-27623-9

19. Nordin, S. M., Zolkepli, I. A., Ahmad Rizal, A. R., Tariq, R., Mannan, S., & Ramayah, T. (2022). Paving

the way to paddy food security: A multigroup analysis of agricultural education on circular economy

adoption. Journal of Cleaner Production, 375, 134089. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.134089

20. Ramirez, R., & Ravindran, N. (2024). Blockchain applications in circular agri-food supply chains:

Opportunities and barriers. Journal of Cleaner Production, 421, 138421.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.138421

21. Roy, M., Akbar, D., & Rajapaksa, D. (2025). Circular economy principles and their application in agri-

food supply chain: A case of Australia. In Developing dynamic and sustainable supply chains to achieve

sustainable development goals (pp. 239–281). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-6284-

6.ch009

22. Rufí-Salís, M., Toboso-Chavero, S., Rieradevall, J., Talens Peiró, L., Petit-Boix, A., Villalba, G.,

Madrid-López, C., & Gabarrell, X. (2024). Circular economy principles in urban agri-food systems:

Potentials and implications for environmental sustainability. In Greening of industry networks studies

(Vol. 12, pp. 187–205). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-55036-2_10

23. Salinas-Velandia, N., Howard, P. L., & Brondizio, E. S. (2020). Social capital as a determinant of the

adoption of agroecological practices: A case study of family farming households in Colombia’s global

coffee hotspot. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 4, 543933.

https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2020.543933

24. Sharma, P., & Singh, R. K. (2021). Circular economy in agri-food supply chains: A bibliometric and

content analysis. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 173, 105722.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2021.105722

25. Shebanin, V., Shebanina, O., & Kormyshkin, I. (2024). Implementation of circular economy principles

to promote the development of rural areas. Ekonomika APK, 31(2), 51–59.

https://doi.org/10.32317/2221-1055.202402051

26. Sokame, B. M., Runyu, J. C., & Tonnang, H. E. Z. (2024). Integrating edible insect into circular

agriculture for sustainable production. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 52, 80–94.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2024.10.015

27. Spada, E., Carlucci, D., Cembalo, L., Chinnici, G., D’Amico, M., Falcone, G., Giannoccaro, G.,

Gulisano, G., Iofrida, N., Stempfle, S., & De Luca, A. I. (2025). Evaluating circular strategies for the

resilience of agri-food business: Evidence from the olive oil supply chain. Business Strategy and the

Environment, 34(3), 2748–2764. https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.4121

28. Sreekumar, N. M., Sudheep, N. M., & Radhakrishnan, E. K. (2024). Framework for implementing

circular economy in agriculture. In The potential of microbes for a circular economy (pp. 25–52).

Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-15924-4.00009-6

29. Tantoh, H. B., McKay, T. J. M., & Llewellyn, L. (2025). A gender-inclusive approach to enhancing food

security through the circular economy in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. African Geographical Review.

https://doi.org/10.1080/19376812.2025.2503452

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)

ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue X October 2025

Page 1155

www.rsisinternational.org

30. Tsolakis, N., Keramydas, C. A., Toka, A. K., Aidonis, D., & Iakovou, E. (2014). Agrifood supply chain

management: A comprehensive hierarchical decision-making framework and a critical taxonomy.

Biosystems Engineering, 120, 47–64. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biosystemseng.2013.10.014

31. Van Hoof, B., Solano, A., Riaño, J., Mendez, C., & Medaglia, A. (2024). Decision-making for circular

economy implementation in agri-food systems: A transdisciplinary case study of cacao in Colombia.

Journal of Cleaner Production, 434, 140307. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.140307

32. Vásquez Neyra, J. M., Cequea, M. M., & Schmitt, V. G. H. (2025). Current practices and key challenges

associated with the adoption of resilient, circular, and sustainable food supply chain for smallholder

farmers to mitigate food loss. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 9, 1484933.

https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2025.1484933

33. Velasco-Muñoz, J. F., Mendoza, J. M. F., Aznar-Sánchez, J. A., & Gallego-Schmid, A. (2021). Circular

economy implementation in the agricultural sector: Definition, strategies and indicators. Resources,

Conservation and Recycling, 170, 105618. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2021.105618

34. Wang, Y., Yuan, Z., & Tang, Y. (2021). Enhancing food security and environmental sustainability: A

critical review of food loss and waste management. Resources, Environment and Sustainability, 4,

100023. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resenv.2021.100023

35. Yazdani, M., Gonzalez, E. D. R. S., & Chatterjee, P. (2019). A multi-criteria decision-making framework

for agriculture supply chain risk management under a circular economy context. Management Decision,

59(8), 1801–1826. https://doi.org/10.1108/MD-10-2018-1088

36. Yunan, X., Weixin, L., Yujie, Y., & Hui, W. (2021). Evolutionary game for the stakeholders in livestock

pollution control based on circular economy. Journal of Cleaner Production, 282, 125403.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.125403