Book Title: Innovative Approaches in Multidisciplinary Research and Development (IAMRD)
Chief Editors: Dr. Anil Kashinath Salunke and Dr. Rituraj Pant
Associate Editors: Prof. (Dr.) Sourav Madhur Dey and Dr. Amrutha Satheesan
Co-Editors: Dr. Souvik Sur and Dr. Phakir Singh
ISBN: 978-93-7183-004-1
Chapter: 8
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59646/708/8
Authors: Pomi Shahbaz, Shamsheer Ul Haq, Kashif Raza, Muhammad Usman, Ilyas Ahmad, and Dr. Rana Tahir Naveed
Abstract
Establishing sustainable food systems is of paramount importance to guarantee food security and promote nutritious diets. Digital transformation of farming systems plays a crucial role in advancing sustainable food systems. The literature emphasizes the significance of digital transformation and innovations for sustainable food systems but lacks an IT industry perspective in nurturing sustainable food systems. Thus, the objective of this study was to analyze the role of the IT industry in nurturing sustainable food systems. Data collected from 381 Chinese IT workers through online and offline methods were analyzed using a partial least squares structural equation model. The results revealed that organizational support for sustainability (β=0.435, p<0.01), environmental agricultural aptitude (β=0.537, p<0.01), collaboration culture (β=0.371, p<0.01), employee satisfaction and well-being (β=0.294, p<0.01), and organizational behavior (β=0.673, p<0.01) positively contributed to the nourishment of sustainable food systems. Moreover, organizational behavior positively mediated the relationship between sustainable organizational support for sustainability (β=0.201, p<0.01), environmental agricultural aptitude (β=0.198, p<0.01), and sustainable food systems. Collaboration among industry stakeholders, including environmental organizations, IT workers, and food producers, is essential to ensure sustainable food supply worldwide. Moreover, Government institutions and regulatory authorities can play an important role by incentivizing sustainable practices and providing a conducive environment for the IT industry to contribute to sustainable food systems.
Keywords: sustainable agriculture; sustainable food production; food security; farm digitalization; Sustainable behavior