THE TRIPLE-BOTTOM-LINE DIMENSIONS OF SUSTAINABILITY IN AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SYSTEMS: A COMPREHENSIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

This literature review aims to analyze the triple-bottom-line (TBL) dimensions—economic, environmental, and social sustainability—within agriculture and food systems. A systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA framework, resulting in 30 articles selected from databases such as Scopus and ScienceDirect after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria based on relevance, empirical grounding, and methodological rigor. Data were analyzed through thematic synthesis to identify major patterns and challenges across TBL dimensions. Findings reveal that while economic sustainability focuses on profitability and market access, environmental sustainability emphasizes resource efficiency and ecological resilience, and social sustainability concerns equity, labor rights, and food security. The study concludes that integrating all three pillars through policy alignment, innovation, and stakeholder participation is critical for achieving resilient food systems. Recommendations include promoting circular economy models and strengthening local governance in agricultural sustainability.