Mapping the Global Research Landscape and Trends on Agricultural Value Chains: A Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

Bibliometric research in value chain analysis has increased rapidly over the years. Focus has been placed on the multi-domain literature in analysing main trends in value chains. Nonetheless, there are no bibliometric studies to map out the global research landscape and trends in agricultural value chains. This chapter employed a title-specific algorithm to extract articles from Clarivate Analytics and Web of Science. The search was refined by limiting the results to only articles published in English from 2005 to the March 19, 2024. After applying the exclusion criteria, 600 documents were analysed using VOSviewer and R-Studio. The results showed that, from 2005 to 2016, there were few studies examining the agricultural value chains, with a significant increase in publications thereafter. Leading journals in total citations include Sustainability and Food Policy. Influential universities are primarily from Europe and the United States, with limited contributions from Africa. This study also offers a visual and schematic framework for pertinent research in agricultural value chains and the primary focus is on value chain development, value chain participation, and its impact on addressing global issues like food security. Therefore, there is an urgent need to promote research in the Global South and address new areas such as the role of artificial intelligence in agricultural value chains.