THE ROLE OF AGRIBUSINESS INNOVATIONS IN STRENGTHENING GLOBAL AGRICULTURAL VALUE CHAINS: INSIGHTS FOR SOYBEAN


Abisola Precious Popoola
Olin Business School, Washington University in St. Louis, USA
Abstract
This literature review examines how agribusiness innovations contribute to stronger and more resilient global agricultural value chains (GAVCs). Drawing on 19 studies published between 2020 and 2025, the review shows that technological and digital innovations improve productivity, traceability, and supply chain resilience, though their benefits vary across countries and depend on local capabilities and infrastructure. Evidence highlights that innovation outcomes are shaped by factors including education, investment capacity, geographic access, and the ability of firms and producers to manage knowledge and adopt new processes. The review further finds that innovation capabilities within agri-business firms and production units are essential for transforming technologies into value-added activities. Inclusive and sustainability-oriented innovations, supported by coordination among multiple actors, help integrate smallholders and ensure environmental and social alignment within value chains. Financial innovations, particularly FinTech and blockchain, address challenges of trust, transaction costs, and financial exclusion, but require strong digital literacy and supportive infrastructure to be effective. Policy frameworks and state interventions play a decisive role, influencing how innovations diffuse and whether they lead to meaningful upgrading and value capture. Overall, the literature indicates that strengthening GAVCs requires a combination of technological, organizational, financial, and policy innovations tailored to specific contexts, with coordinated strategies that promote resilience, inclusion, and sustainability.
Keywords: Agribusiness Innovation, Global Agricultural Value Chains, Digital Transformation, FinTech and Blockchain, Smallholder Inclusion, Supply Chain Resilience
Journal Name :
EPRA International Journal of Agriculture and Rural Economic Research (ARER)

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Published on : 2026-03-15

Vol : 14
Issue : 3
Month : March
Year : 2026
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