ESG integration and sustainability in African agribusiness: A review of challenges, practices and impacts
Keywords:
ESG, sustainability, agribusiness, AfricaAbstract
Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) integration and sustainability have become critical issues for African agribusinesses to address in recent years. However, the specific practices, challenges, and impacts in the African context remain less explored. This systematic review paper aimed to analyze the current literature on ESG and sustainability issues within African agribusiness. A total of 41 articles published between 2017 and 2024 were reviewed based on inclusion/exclusion criteria. Key findings indicate that ESG integration can enhance productivity, food security, rural livelihoods, and long-term resilience but continues facing economic, infrastructural and regulatory barriers. Environmental practices like sustainable farming, social efforts on farmer welfare and gender equality along with governance mechanisms for transparency were identified. Though ESG integration showed positive economic, social and environmental impacts, persistent challenges need tailored strategies. An integrative framework is proposed for ESG implementation based on the review. Further studies can explore specific solutions and cases to aid policymaking.
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