From Risk to Resilience in Food Security: A Review of Circular Economy Strategies in Agricultural Trade Networks

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.