Erica Kushihara Akim, Diogo Aparecido Lopes Silva and Luiz Carlos de Faria
Using an Integrative Literature Review (ILR), this study aims to investigate the components defining the Safe and Just Operating Space (SJOS) within food systems and assess their…
Abstract
Purpose
Using an Integrative Literature Review (ILR), this study aims to investigate the components defining the Safe and Just Operating Space (SJOS) within food systems and assess their applicability in decision-making for public food procurement (PFP).
Design/methodology/approach
Data concerning SJOS implementation in food systems and the criteria used in PFP were retrieved from the Web of Science and Scopus databases, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol.
Findings
The analysis of the literature highlights that climate change (n = 31; 17%) and water use (n = 29; 16%) are the primary focus areas regarding Planetary Boundaries (PB), followed the nitrogen cycle, land use, biodiversity loss and the phosphorus cycle. In PFP, key criteria linked to PB encompass climate change (n = 19; 7.2%), water use (n = 17; 6.44%) and chemical pollution (n = 17; 6.44%). The social and ethical dimensions underscore labour (n = 18; 6.82%), water (n = 17; 6.44%), income (n = 16; 6.06%) and energy (n = 16; 6.06%).
Research limitations/implications
Despite the strengths of this study, certain limitations should be acknowledged. Although the inclusion and exclusion criteria for the reviewed articles were clearly defined, it is possible that relevant literature was unintentionally excluded. Expanding the scope to include grey literature – such as government documents, reports, policy statements and statistical reports – could provide additional insights and broaden the scope of the findings. Moreover, the search was limited to the Web of Science and Scopus databases, which may have resulted in the omission of relevant studies, particularly those published in non-English languages or not indexed journals.
Practical implications
The identified procurement criteria can help public administrators develop guidelines and tools for food procurement that consider the SJOS.
Social implications
This paper offers an understanding of the connection between planetary processes and human well-being in the context of PFP.
Originality/value
This pioneering research lays the groundwork for future agendas in this field and encourages reflection on critical factors essential for selecting methods and standards applied in practical public procurement.