Dr David Chikwere

The agricultural sector is critical to global food security, yet its operations have substantial environmental implications. The agriculture industry is under increasing pressure to implement more environmentally friendly practices. Green supply chain management (GSCM) provides a framework for increasing the environmental performance. This chapter examined the adoption of GSCM methods in agriculture and how they affect agricultural performance measures. Key GSCM techniques investigated include sustainable input sourcing, waste reduction, precision agricultural technologies, and the promotion of organic and regenerative farming. The analysis shows that implementing these green supply chain efforts can boost crop yields, reduce resource use, improve product quality, and increase profitability for farms and agribusiness. The findings provide direction for agricultural stakeholders to improve supply chain sustainability and transition to a more regenerative food production model.

The global shift towards sustainable energy has highlighted the importance of green energy alternatives, especially in developing countries where rising energy demand and fossil fuel dependence create environmental and socio-economic challenges. This chapter explores the challenges and opportunities of adopting green energy in these regions, focusing on specific issues that affect feasibility and efficiency. The introduction defines green energy and its importance, emphasising sustainability principles essential for mitigating climate change. The remainder of the chapter is described as follows: Section 2 provides an overview of renewable energy sources and their feasibility in developing countries. Section 3 reviews the sustainability impacts of conventional energy sources. Section 4 examines opportunities presented by alternative energy sources. Section 5 outlines the main barriers to transitioning to green energy. Section 6 discusses case studies and best practices for implementing alternative energy sources in developing countries, and finally, section 7 concludes the chapter

The agricultural sector is critical to global food security, yet its operations have substantial environmental implications. The agriculture industry is under increasing pressure to implement more environmentally friendly practices. Green supply chain management (GSCM) provides a framework for increasing the environmental performance. This chapter examined the adoption of GSCM methods in agriculture and how they affect agricultural performance measures. Key GSCM techniques investigated include sustainable input sourcing, waste reduction, precision agricultural technologies, and the promotion of organic and regenerative farming. The analysis shows that implementing these green supply chain efforts can boost crop yields, reduce resource use, improve product quality, and increase profitability for farms and agribusiness. The findings provide direction for agricultural stakeholders to improve supply chain sustainability and transition to a more regenerative food production model.

Abstract

This paper discusses the influence and relevance of cutting-edge technologies in the development of a knowledge-based supply chain to enhance food security. The application of technologies is based on the background that food supply chains require real-time monitoring and effective information flow from farm to farm with regards to food availability, preservation of quality, health, safety, and accessibility of food from production to the final user. The study used a quantitative approach and drew a sample of 65 employees and suppliers from three food manufacturing organizations (Probrands, Delta Beverages, and National Foods) that are currently using various cutting-edge technologies in Zimbabwe. Further, 80 downstream consumers were drawn from the commonly known food insecure remote areas in Zimbabwe to provide a fair review of the effectiveness of the current food supply chain system (using modern technology). Results show that a number of technologies can be effectively employed when developing a knowledge-based food supply chain. These include artificial intelligence, big data analytics, the internet of things, machine-learning, robotics, additive manufacturing, or virtual reality, among others. These technologies were found to be effective in resolving supply chain management challenges. As a result of reducing supply chain management challenges, food security was found to be improved and customer satisfaction enhanced. However, in the absence of such technologies, it was found that it is difficult to develop effective and sustainable knowledge-based food supply chains in Zimbabwe. It is recommended that all food producers, intermediaries, suppliers, consumers, and other stakeholders make use of knowledge-based food supply chains that are enhanced by different technologies to ensure food security and customer satisfaction.

The method by which government and public institutions make acquisitions lays the groundwork for development of rural district councils by enabling critical investments in terms of physical infrastructure and institutional capacity building. The purpose of this study was to establish the relationship between procurement objectives, procurement process, procurement management, and value for money on Zimbabwe’s Rural District Councils (RDCs). The study was guided by the Practice Based View and the Supply Chain Practice Perspective. A structured, closed-ended, self-administered Google form questionnaire was used to collect responses from 30 out of 60 randomly chosen RDCs in Zimbabwe. 207 useful responses were obtained from 264 supervisory staff and procurement officials. The procurement process, procurement objectives, and procurement management were found to positively influence value for money. The results also indicate that procurement objectives positively influenced the procurement process, while the procurement process was found to have a positive effect on procurement management. This study provides fresh insights and validates existing knowledge on the procurement process, procurement objectives, procurement management, and value for money in the RDCs. As this study demonstrates how procurement practices have a direct impact on value for money, it advances our understanding of public procurement and value for money in developing countries like Zimbabwe. Moreover, the study findings support both the Practice Based View and the Supply Chain Practice Perspective in that the results show that procurement practices when effectively managed and aligned with the objectives of the organization, they contribute to achieving value for money in procurement. outcomes.

This chapter explores contemporary solutions for sustainable transportation within the supply chain and provides a rationale for adopting these practices. Sustainable supply chain practices have become increasingly important as businesses and societies recognize the need to mitigate environmental impact and promote responsible resource management. Transportation plays a critical role in determining the overall sustainability of the supply chain, making it essential to identify innovative practices, technologies, and strategies that can reduce environmental impact, improve efficiency, and enhance sustainability. The chapter highlights the pressing need to address the environmental impact of transportation, including greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and resource depletion. By adopting sustainable transportation practices, organizations can minimize their carbon footprint, reduce pollution, and conserve valuable resources.

End-of-life vehicle management has become increasingly important in recent years. As the automotive industry grows, managing end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) becomes increasingly important. This chapter aims to explore how ELV management is becoming one of the most important environmental and economic subjects for eradicating poverty, improving health and well-being, and establishing sustainable cities and communities. Effective ELV management is crucial for environmental protection, a circular economy, and sustainability. The chapter will delve into the fundamental concepts of end-of-life vehicle management, factors affecting vehicle disposal and replacement, vehicle disposal and replacement models, vehicle disposal and replacement policies for sustainability. This chapter also seeks to give a study of ELV management in key automotive production bases and fleet management companies. The authors collected, categorized, examined, and analyzed studies published from 2000 to 2023. A critical review of the published literature is presented.

This chapter explores the challenges of urban car parking in the UK, focusing on the scarcity of parking spaces and high user fees. Increasing vehicle ownership and limited space have led to congestion and inefficiencies. The chapter examines root causes, such as urban planning constraints, economic factors, and regulatory shortcomings, by evaluating strategies in various UK cities. Using empirical analysis and case studies, it offers a comprehensive overview of the current parking landscape, drawing insights from successful international models. Policy recommendations aim to enhance accessibility, affordability, and sustainability in urban transportation by optimising space use, integrating technology, and encouraging alternative modes. The chapter seeks to influence policy and planning decisions, promoting a more sustainable urban environment and serving as a resource for policymakers, urban planners, and stakeholders in the UK.

As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and the depletion of fossil fuel reserves, the transition towards sustainable transportation has become imperative. Various alternative energy options to enhance sustainable transportation such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, biofuels, and hydrogen, highlighting their potential to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions needs to be explored. Real-world cases drawn from various international contexts were examined to offer important insights into how sustainable mobility practices may be supported by alternative energy solutions. Some challenges in transitioning to sustainable transport systems which include energy efficiency, scalability, infrastructure needs, and environmental impact were identified. This introduction explores the potential of alternative energy sources in enhancing sustainable transportation, focusing on their advantages, challenges, and transformative impact on promoting greener, more equitable, and efficient mobility solutions. The remainder of the chapter is described as follows: Section 2 presents the electric vehicles (EVs) applications. Section 3 reviews hydrogen fuel technology. Section 4 examines the biofuels energy. Section 5 presents the environmental impacts and benefits of alternative energy sources. Section 6 explains ways of overcoming challenges and adoption while Section 7 finally concludes the chapter by discussing case studies and best practices on alternative energy sources.

This chapter examines the application of green supply chain management (GSCM) as a strategic tool for advancing sustainable green marketing agenda in Africa. A systematic literature guided by the PRISMA approach was employed as the research methodology. Data extraction and thematic analysis were used to group the roles of GSCM into coherent themes. Key findings reveal that green supply chain management is critical, imperative for achieving green marketing outcomes. Green supply chain management promotes the implementation of environmental management systems and sustainability practices such as recycling, reuse, transportation optimisation, reducing of unnecessary inventories, and shortening lead times. Reviewed studies also emphasised that organisations adopting comprehensive green supply chain management strategies benefit from enhanced brand image, increased customer loyalty, reduced operational costs, improved compliance with environmental regulations, positive social impacts, and stronger supplier relationships. The study concluded that GSCM is critical in advancing sustainable green marketing in Africa by adopting practices that can achieve significant environmental, economic, and social benefits. The insights from this chapter provoke future research, and work as reference point to policy makers, academia, and management interested in environmental sustainability in the Global South.

The global shift towards sustainable energy has highlighted the importance of green energy alternatives, especially in developing countries where rising energy demand and fossil fuel dependence create environmental and socio-economic challenges. This chapter explores the challenges and opportunities of adopting green energy in these regions, focusing on specific issues that affect feasibility and efficiency. The introduction defines green energy and its importance, emphasising sustainability principles essential for mitigating climate change. The remainder of the chapter is described as follows: Section 2 provides an overview of renewable energy sources and their feasibility in developing countries. Section 3 reviews the sustainability impacts of conventional energy sources. Section 4 examines opportunities presented by alternative energy sources. Section 5 outlines the main barriers to transitioning to green energy. Section 6 discusses case studies and best practices for implementing alternative energy sources in developing countries, and finally, section 7 concludes the chapter.

This chapter explores the challenges of urban car parking in the UK, focusing on the scarcity of parking spaces and high user fees. Increasing vehicle ownership and limited space have led to congestion and inefficiencies. The chapter examines root causes, such as urban planning constraints, economic factors, and regulatory shortcomings, by evaluating strategies in various UK cities. Using empirical analysis and case studies, it offers a comprehensive overview of the current parking landscape, drawing insights from successful international models. Policy recommendations aim to enhance accessibility, affordability, and sustainability in urban transportation by optimising space use, integrating technology, and encouraging alternative modes. The chapter seeks to influence policy and planning decisions, promoting a more sustainable urban environment and serving as a resource for policymakers, urban planners, and stakeholders in the UK.

This chapter explores contemporary solutions for sustainable transportation within the supply chain and provides a rationale for adopting these practices. Sustainable supply chain practices have become increasingly important as businesses and societies recognize the need to mitigate environmental impact and promote responsible resource management. Transportation plays a critical role in determining the overall sustainability of the supply chain, making it essential to identify innovative practices, technologies, and strategies that can reduce environmental impact, improve efficiency, and enhance sustainability. The chapter highlights the pressing need to address the environmental impact of transportation, including greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and resource depletion. By adopting sustainable transportation practices, organizations can minimize their carbon footprint, reduce pollution, and conserve valuable resources.

This chapter explores how artificial intelligence contributes to advancing green supply chain management ecosystems. The incorporation and adaptation of artificial intelligence (AI) into green supply chain management (GSCM) potents a major advancement in the quest for sustainable business practices. This chapter aims to bridge the knowledge gap by exploring various AI applications to GSCM and providing insights into their practical applications and efficacy. The research objectives include analyzing key AI technologies, examining the benefits and challenges of integrating AI into GSCM and showcasing real-world examples of successful AI-driven GSCM implementations. The literature review highlights AI technologies, including machine learning (ML), natural language processing (NLP), computer vision, robotics, and expert systems, and their potential to enhance green supply chain management (GSCM). This chapter also critically examines the issues of data quality, system integration, change management, skill gaps, and ethical concerns relating to the incorporation of AI into GSCM. The findings highlight the transformative potential of AI in supporting sustainable supply chain practices, but important difficulties must be overcome before AI can be fully realized.

This chapter sought to establish the challenges that derail the implementation of sustainable manufacturing in the Global South geopolitical space. The Global South is a region that mainly comprises emerging or developing countries. The study was focused on three main objectives which were: to identify key challenges hindering the adoption of green manufacturing, to analyze the impact of key challenges on the implementation of green manufacturing, and finally propose strategies that can counter those challenges. The chapter utilized a literature analysis using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). The search for literature was done in Scopus, Google Scholar, and ProQuest databases which yielded 1,022 articles for analysis. The chapter identified various challenges that impede sustainable green manufacturing in the context of the Global South. However, the main challenges that were common in the literature analysis were infrastructural shortages, lack of governmental support, financial constraints, and insufficient technological developments. This chapter also suggested some possible solutions to the challenges such as leveraging governmental support, promoting technological developments, diversifying funding mechanisms, and research collaborations. Areas for further research were also explored at the end of the chapter.

In recent years, both higher education institutions and industries have been expected to take the lead on environmental conservation and sustainable development practices and approaches. This chapter critically examines how educational awareness initiatives for green distribution could promote sustainable growth while reducing environmental effects through efficient resource usage and waste reduction. Despite increased attention, there is still a lack of understanding of how educational awareness affects green distribution. This chapter addressed this issue by conducting a comprehensive literature review with studies from 2010 to 2024, utilizing Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Following screening, 36 relevant studies were identified and evaluated. The results indicate that education and training is the most important strategy to improve educational awareness of green distribution, followed by public awareness and campaigns, marketing, and policy development. Research and development, collaborative efforts, and conferences are less emphasized. Educational and knowledge barriers are the most significant, followed by financial and organizational issues. Technological, cultural, social, operational, and logistical barriers are moderately frequent, while market and competition, and government and policy barriers are less prominent. Educational programs significantly enhance knowledge and practical application of green distribution practices, with university curricula, professional training, and community initiatives showing measurable improvements in sustainability. This chapter highlights the importance of educational awareness for green distribution in achieving sustainable development goals. Educational institutions and industry can significantly contribute to the global sustainability agenda by equipping individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills hence providing valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.

This chapter introduces green supply chain management (GSCM), a field that integrates environmental thinking with traditional supply chain management thinking, policies, and practices. GSCM aims to minimize the environmental impact of a product or service throughout its life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal or recycling. The key concepts include green procurement, manufacturing, logistics, and reverse logistics. The benefits of adopting GSCM include, inter alia, improved environmental performance, cost savings, regulatory compliance, and enhanced brand reputation. Challenges concomitant to the adoption and integration of GSCM include organizational resistance, a lack of top management support, and cross-functional collaboration. This chapter emphasizes the importance of measuring and reporting environmental and sustainability performance in green supply chains. This introduction lays the groundwork for a more detailed exploration of the principles, strategies, and best practices of green supply chain management.

The chapter highlights the significance of eco-friendly packaging and sustainable transportation in enhancing sustainability within the modern supply chain. It emphasizes the role of the packaging industry in combating climate change and environmental disasters and explores the implementation of green supply chain management practices. The chapter emphasizes the importance of collaboration and communication among stakeholders in optimizing transportation processes and reducing environmental impact. It also discusses the economic and environmental benefits of adopting sustainable transportation practices. The chapter further delves into the environmental consequences of traditional packaging materials and emphasizes the need for alternative options that are both efficient and environmentally friendly. It explores the economic implications of eco-friendly packaging and discusses the role of government regulations in promoting sustainable packaging practices.

End-of-life vehicle management has become increasingly important in recent years. As the automotive industry grows, managing end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) becomes increasingly important. This chapter aims to explore how ELV management is becoming one of the most important environmental and economic subjects for eradicating poverty, improving health and well-being, and establishing sustainable cities and communities. Effective ELV management is crucial for environmental protection, a circular economy, and sustainability. The chapter will delve into the fundamental concepts of end-of-life vehicle management, factors affecting vehicle disposal and replacement, vehicle disposal and replacement models, vehicle disposal and replacement policies for sustainability. This chapter also seeks to give a study of ELV management in key automotive production bases and fleet management companies. The authors collected, categorized, examined, and analyzed studies published from 2000 to 2023. A critical review of the published literature is presented.

Effective supplier selection plays a pivotal role in the success of any procurement activity in an organisation. It forms the foundation for the overall quality of the project which translate to improved profit, market share and customer retention. However, market turbulence in Zimbabwe disrupts supplier commitments which tend to undermine the operational performance of hospitality firms. Thus, the study’s aim was to examine the influence of supplier selection on the operational performance of the firms in the hospitality industry in Zimbabwe. Data were gathered using questionnaires and semi structured interviews. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic data analysis approach. Quantitative data were collected by questionnaires and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27. The study established that hotels under study used single sourcing, dual sourcing, parallel sourcing, multiple sourcing and local sourcing. Local sourcing was preferred owing to logistical simplicity, avoidance of import costs, and supporting local vendors. The study found a significant relationship between sourcing practices and operational performance of the hospitality industry in Zimbabwe. Competitive bidding had positive impact on performance, and strategic supplier partnerships had also a strong influence in operational performance. The study recommends strategic partnerships, and development of local suppliers to enhance operational performance.

Transport inequality remains a significant barrier to social and economic inclusion in Zimbabwe, especially for rural, low-income, and marginalised communities. This chapter critically examines the disparities in transport access and how these inequalities affect access to education, employment, and healthcare. By investigating the socio-economic and gender-related challenges within Zimbabwe's transport system, the chapter explores the barriers to affordable and accessible mobility. It emphasises inclusive policies, the role of non-motorised transport, and the integration of universal design principles to create a more equitable transport system. The central argument presented in this chapter is that addressing transport inequality through inclusive, context-specific interventions is essential for promoting social justice, economic opportunity, and sustainable development in Zimbabwe. The chapter also provides insights into innovative solutions like shared mobility services, improved public transport accessibility, and gender-sensitive policies to reduce inequalities.

Strategic transport and logistics policy interventions which are grounded in sustainability, inclusivity, and adaptive governance can unlock transformative supply chain outcomes. However, existing infrastructure deficits, climate vulnerabilities, and technological gaps restrict African nations in building transport and logistics systems that can drive equitable growth and withstand global shocks. The main aim of this chapter is to examine how policy innovation can transform Africa’s transport and logistics sector to meet the needs of a rapidly growing population and an evolving economic landscape. The chapter focuses on three key objectives which are to examine how continental frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA), and the African Union’s Agenda 2063 are shaping policy environments to foster regional integration and boost intra-African trade, to identify key challenges that bedevil transport policies harmonisation which enhance resilience and to propose innovative policy interventions that could drive Africa towards a more green, inclusive and adaptive transport network. A literature review methodology was adopted to pursue the chapter objectives. The results show that development of logistics infrastructure in Africa is hampered by unsustainable transport network, absence of harmonised legislative framework that applies to the entire continent, inadequate infrastructure facilities, and limited logistics infrastructure funding. Finally, the chapter proposes adoption of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs), and digital technologies to optimise supply chains and infrastructure investments, policy coherence to leverage continental frameworks, regional collaboration and adaptive governance to create inclusive and robust transport systems. The chapter concludes by exploring areas for further research.

This study investigates the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve operational performance in Zimbabwean road haulage enterprises, with a focus on driver training as a moderator. As the logistics industry faces new difficulties, AI technologies have great promise for increasing efficiency and decision making. However, the usefulness of these technologies is determined by the skill levels of the drivers using them. This study demonstrated how extensive driver training improves the capacity to comprehend AI-generated insights, resulting in better route management, lower operating costs, and increased safety. This study examines how AI affects key performance variables such as cost savings, productivity, customer happiness, and environmental sustainability, using real data from road haulage companies. Key findings demonstrate how AI is transforming decision-making, improving operational effectiveness, and optimizing routes. The research highlights several noteworthy obstacles in addition to their obvious advantages, such as budgetary limitations, difficulty in obtaining pertinent data, and the need for more regionalized AI solutions. The findings, which are based on case studies and performance data from diverse enterprises, indicate that (i) organizations that invest in both AI and driver training benefit from a synergistic impact, resulting in higher operational outcomes, (ii) there is need to combine technical improvements with human experience to achieve maximum performance in Zimbabwe's competitive road-haulage market and finally (iii) this study offers helpful recommendations for successfully integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into haulage processes, along with insights into best practices and alternative approaches to overcome current obstacles. This study emphasizes the importance of context-specific solutions in emerging regions, enhancing the expanding corpus of knowledge on AI applications, particularly in logistics.