Labor in agrifood value chains: a scientometric review from Scopus

Abstract

Addressing labor issues is crucial to agrifood value chain analysis, improvements and sustainability. However, the specific contribution of value chain approaches to discussions on labor in agriculture is still a research gap. To fill this gap, we reviewed the international literature on labor in agrifood value chains. We performed a scientometric analysis of the articles indexed in Scopus, which was composed by a bibliometric, diachronic and synchronic analysis. The main results show that labor in agrifood value chains is a relative new scientific community. Researchers’ interest evolved around three hotspots over the past 20 years, and five consolidated research domains. Our review provides an overview about the main characteristics of a rising scientific community, and a synthesis of knowledge produced to support scientific innovation on labor in agrifood value chains. Regarding chain agents, our results stress the importance of governance for improving employment and working conditions to promote chain sustainability.