As a principal food crop globally, particularly for Asians, rice remains an interesting and growing topic for interdisciplinary, policy-relevant, and impactful research. This study aimed to identify literature development and scientific mapping in rice value chain studies. This study used secondary data in the form of peer-reviewed journal articles related to the rice value chain, with a total of 126 documents obtained from the Scopus database as of April 2, 2025. Data were analyzed using bibliometric analysis incorporating an enhanced strategic diagram and thematic evolution mapping. Results showed that rice value chain research topics are divided into five clusters: (1) farmers' adaptation and market dynamics, (2) technological innovation and value chain efficiency, (3) value chain governance, (4) food security and policy, and (5) consumer behavior and sustainability. The results also showed that the emerging topics of rice value chain research are developing toward a more multidimensional and integrated approach focused on technology integration, sustainable practices, climate change response, digital transformation, gender inclusivity, multi-stakeholder partnerships, nutrition impact, environmental resilience, and a deeper understanding of consumer preferences. The results provide insights into research gaps and offer new research opportunities for the future sustainable, resilient, equitable, and inclusive rice value chain.
Citation: Suprehatin Suprehatin, Adi Wijaya, Joni Murti Mulyo Aji, Vina Yunita Ria, Sujianto Sujianto. Investigating rice value chain research: A science mapping[J]. AIMS Agriculture and Food, 2026, 11(1): 1-16. doi: 10.3934/agrfood.2026001
As a principal food crop globally, particularly for Asians, rice remains an interesting and growing topic for interdisciplinary, policy-relevant, and impactful research. This study aimed to identify literature development and scientific mapping in rice value chain studies. This study used secondary data in the form of peer-reviewed journal articles related to the rice value chain, with a total of 126 documents obtained from the Scopus database as of April 2, 2025. Data were analyzed using bibliometric analysis incorporating an enhanced strategic diagram and thematic evolution mapping. Results showed that rice value chain research topics are divided into five clusters: (1) farmers' adaptation and market dynamics, (2) technological innovation and value chain efficiency, (3) value chain governance, (4) food security and policy, and (5) consumer behavior and sustainability. The results also showed that the emerging topics of rice value chain research are developing toward a more multidimensional and integrated approach focused on technology integration, sustainable practices, climate change response, digital transformation, gender inclusivity, multi-stakeholder partnerships, nutrition impact, environmental resilience, and a deeper understanding of consumer preferences. The results provide insights into research gaps and offer new research opportunities for the future sustainable, resilient, equitable, and inclusive rice value chain.
| [1] |
Bin Rahman ANMR, Zhang J (2023) Trends in rice research: 2030 and beyond. Food Energy Secur 12: e390. https://doi.org/10.1002/fes3.390 doi: 10.1002/fes3.390
|
| [2] |
Pede VO, Valera HG, Mishra AK, et al. (2024) Future of rice in Asia: Perspectives and opportunities, 2050. Food Secur Issues Asia 108: 108–138. https://doi.org/10.1142/9789811278297_0005 doi: 10.1142/9789811278297_0005
|
| [3] | USDA (2025) Rice: Rice sector at a glance. Accessed on October 10, 2025, USDA Economic Research Service. |
| [4] |
Shi M, Paudel KP, Chen F bo (2021) Mechanization and efficiency in rice production in China. J Integr Agric 20: 1996–2008. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2095-3119(20)63439-6 doi: 10.1016/S2095-3119(20)63439-6
|
| [5] | Chen B, Saghaian S (2016) Market integration and price transmission in theworld rice export markets. J Agric Resour Econ 41: 444–457. |
| [6] | Maertens M, Swinnen JFM (2009) Gender and modern supply chains in developing countries, LICOS Discussion Paper. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1360664 |
| [7] |
Toiba H, Maulana Noor AY, Rahman MS, et al. (2025) Farmers' preference for organic rice contract farming scheme: A discrete choice experiment in Indonesia. J Environ Plan Manag 68: 704–727. https://doi.org/10.1080/09640568.2023.2269308 doi: 10.1080/09640568.2023.2269308
|
| [8] |
Wahida, Toiba H, Umberger WJ, et al. (2013) Exploring indonesian consumers' willingness to pay for high-value agricultural products. Acta Hortic 1006: 397–404. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2013.1006.50 doi: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2013.1006.50
|
| [9] |
Purwandoko PB, Seminar KB, Sutrisno, et al. (2019) Development of a smart traceability system for the rice agroindustry supply chain in Indonesia. Information 10: 218. https://doi.org/10.3390/info10100288 doi: 10.3390/info10100288
|
| [10] |
Yakubu BM, Latif R, Yakubu A, et al. (2022) Rice chain: secure and traceable rice supply chain framework using blockchain technology. PeerJ Comput Sci 8: e801. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj-cs.801 doi: 10.7717/peerj-cs.801
|
| [11] |
Chandio AA, Gokmenoglu KK, Ahmad M, et al. (2022) Towards sustainable rice production in Asia: The role of climatic factors. Earth Syst Environ 6: 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41748-021-00210-z doi: 10.1007/s41748-021-00210-z
|
| [12] | Aji JMM (2012) Rice supply chains in Indonesia: How do they work?. Proceedings of International Conference on Agribusiness Marketing (ICAM), Jember, Indonesia, 473–488. |
| [13] |
Perdana T, Handayati Y, Sadeli AH, et al. (2020) A conceptual model of smart supply chain for managing rice industry. Mimb J Sos & Pembang 36: 128–138. https://doi.org/10.29313/mimbar.v36i1.5431 doi: 10.29313/mimbar.v36i1.5431
|
| [14] |
Gyawali P, Tamrakar D, Shrestha A, et al. (2022) Consumer acceptance and preference for brown rice: A mixed-method qualitative study from Nepal. Food Sci Nutr 10: 1864–1874. https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.2803 doi: 10.1002/fsn3.2803
|
| [15] |
Yang X, Chen Q, Xu Z, et al. (2021) Consumers' preferences for health-related and low-carbon attributes of rice: A choice experiment. J Clean Prod 295: 126443. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.126443 doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.126443
|
| [16] |
Donthu N, Kumar S, Mukherjee D, et al. (2021) How to conduct a bibliometric analysis: An overview and guidelines. J Bus Res 133: 285–296. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2021.04.070 doi: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2021.04.070
|
| [17] |
Zupic I, Čater T (2015) Bibliometric methods in management and organization. Organ Res Methods 18: 429–472. https://doi.org/10.1177/1094428114562629 doi: 10.1177/1094428114562629
|
| [18] |
Khanra S, Dhir A, Kaur P, et al. (2021) Bibliometric analysis and literature review of ecotourism: Toward sustainable development. Tour Manag Perspect 37: 100777. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2020.100777 doi: 10.1016/j.tmp.2020.100777
|
| [19] |
Merigó JM, Mas-Tur A, Roig-Tierno N, et al. (2015) A bibliometric overview of the Journal of Business Research between 1973 and 2014. J Bus Res 68: 2645–2653. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2015.04.006 doi: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2015.04.006
|
| [20] |
Shahidullah SM, Shirazy BJ, Rouf Sarkar MA, et al. (2024) Four decades of research on rice intercropping: A bibliometric analysis. J Agric Food Res 15: 100964. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafr.2024.100964 doi: 10.1016/j.jafr.2024.100964
|
| [21] |
Yuan BZ, Sun J (2023) Research trend of rice and greenhouse gases based on Web of Science: A bibliometric analysis. All Earth 35: 16–30. https://doi.org/10.1080/27669645.2022.2164412 doi: 10.1080/27669645.2022.2164412
|
| [22] |
Sossa CLG, Sanogo S, Naab JB, et al. (2022) Trends and research features on greenhouse gas emissions from rice production: Review based on bibliometric analysis. Environ Sci Pollut Res 29: 73828–73841. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-22921-0 doi: 10.1007/s11356-022-22921-0
|
| [23] |
Nyakuma BB, Wong S, Mong GR, et al. (2021) Bibliometric analysis of the research landscape on rice husks gasification (1995–2019). Environ Sci Pollut Res 28: 49467–49490. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-15761-x doi: 10.1007/s11356-021-15761-x
|
| [24] |
Zhang R, Hussain S, Yang S, et al. (2023) Research on salt stress in rice from 2000 to 2021: A Bibliometric analysis. Sustainability 15: 4512. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15054512 doi: 10.3390/su15054512
|
| [25] |
Suprehatin S (2025) Pemetaan tren dan arah riset rantai nilai kopi: Bibliometric dan content analysis (Mapping research trends and directions in the coffee value chain: A bibliometric and content analysis). J Agribisnis Indones (Journal Indones Agribusiness) 13: 144–156. https://doi.org/10.29244/jai.2025.13.1.144-156 doi: 10.29244/jai.2025.13.1.144-156
|
| [26] |
Guan H, Huang TZ (2023) Rural tourism experience research: A bibliometric visualization review (1996–2021). Tour Rev 78: 761–777. https://doi.org/10.1108/TR-03-2022-0147 doi: 10.1108/TR-03-2022-0147
|
| [27] |
Gómez MI, Barrett CB, Buck LE, et al. (2011) Research principles for developing country food value chains. Science 332: 1154–1155. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1202543 doi: 10.1126/science.1202543
|
| [28] |
Barrett CB, Reardon T, Swinnen J, et al. (2022) Agri-food value chain revolutions in low- and middle-income countries. J Econ Lit 60: 1316–1377. https://doi.org/10.1257/jel.20201539 doi: 10.1257/jel.20201539
|
| [29] |
Feng Y, Zhu Q, Lai KH (2017) Corporate social responsibility for supply chain management: A literature review and bibliometric analysis. J Clean Prod 158: 296–307. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.05.018 doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.05.018
|
| [30] |
Shaffril HAM, Krauss SE, Samsuddin SF (2018) A systematic review on Asian's farmers' adaptation practices towards climate change. Sci Total Environ 644: 683–695. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.06.349 doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.06.349
|
| [31] |
Muflikh YN, Smith C, Aziz AA (2021) A systematic review of the contribution of system dynamics to value chain analysis in agricultural development. Agric Syst 189: 103044. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2020.103044 doi: 10.1016/j.agsy.2020.103044
|
| [32] |
SudewoVRP, Suprehatin S, Utami AD (2023) Understanding studies on consumers' food choices using food choice questionnaire: A scoping review and bibliometric analysis (ScoRBA). Agraris: J Agribusiness Rural Dev Res 9: 238–257. https://doi.org/10.18196/agraris.v9i2.170 doi: 10.18196/agraris.v9i2.170
|
| [33] | Wijaya A, Hermawan B (2025) BiblioPlot: Enhanced data visualization for bibliometric analysis. Available from: https//biblioplot metlit net. |
| [34] |
Wahyoedi S, Hermawan B, Wijaya A, et al. (2024) Exploring trends and future paths in tourism villages research: An intellectual mapping. J Ecohumanism 3: 599–611. https://doi.org/10.62754/joe.v3i3.3359 doi: 10.62754/joe.v3i3.3359
|
| [35] |
Shafin N, Ismail CAN, Mustafa MZ, et al. (2022) Thematic analysis of multiple sclerosis research by enhanced strategic diagram. Mult Scler J 28: 2160–2170. https://doi.org/10.1177/13524585221075542 doi: 10.1177/13524585221075542
|
| [36] | de Brauw A, Bulte E (2021) Economic theory and value chain governance. African farmers, value chains and agricultural development: An economic and institutional perspective, Springer, 39–58. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-88693-6_3 |
| [37] |
de Marchi V, Alford M (2022) State policies and upgrading in global value chains: A systematic literature review. J Int Bus Policy 5: 88–111. https://doi.org/10.1057/s42214-021-00107-8 doi: 10.1057/s42214-021-00107-8
|
| [38] |
Kilelu C, Klerkx L, Omore A, et al. (2017) Value chain upgrading and the inclusion of smallholders in markets: Reflections on contributions of multi-stakeholder processes in dairy development in Tanzania. Eur J Dev Res 29: 1102–1121. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41287-016-0074-z doi: 10.1057/s41287-016-0074-z
|
| [39] |
Sridhar A, Ponnuchamy M, Kumar PS, et al. (2023) Digitalization of the agro-food sector for achieving sustainable development goals: A review. Sustain Food Technol 1: 783–802. https://doi.org/10.1039/D3FB00124E doi: 10.1039/D3FB00124E
|
| [40] |
Vahdanjoo M, Sørensen CG, Nørremark M (2025) Digital transformation of the agri-food system. Curr Opin Food Sci 63: 101287. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cofs.2025.101287 doi: 10.1016/j.cofs.2025.101287
|
| [41] |
Gonçalves C, Fernandes J, Brites C (2025) Blockchain-enabled traceability in the rice supply chain: Insights from the TRACE-RICE Project. Foods 14: 3711. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14213711 doi: 10.3390/foods14213711
|
| [42] |
Sanusi MS, Mayokun OM, Sunmonu MO, et al. (2025) Transformative trends: Commercial platforms revolutionizing rice farming in Nigeria's agricultural value chain. Int J Agric Sustain 23: 2473757. https://doi.org/10.1080/14735903.2025.2473757 doi: 10.1080/14735903.2025.2473757
|
| [43] |
Kirchherr J, Reike D, Hekkert M (2017) Conceptualizing the circular economy: An analysis of 114 definitions. Resour Conserv Recycl 127: 221–232. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2017.09.005 doi: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2017.09.005
|
| [44] |
Vaskalis I, Skoulou V, Stavropoulos G, et al. (2019) Towards circular economy solutions for the management of rice processing residues to bioenergy via gasification. Sustainability 11: 6433. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11226433 doi: 10.3390/su11226433
|
| [45] |
Odewole MM, Sanusi MS, Sunmonu MO, et al. (2024) Digitalization of rice value chain in Nigeria with circular economy inclusion for improved productivity: A review. Heliyon 10: e31611. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31611 doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31611
|
| [46] | Geissdoerfer M, Savaget P, Bocken NMP, et al. (2017) The circular economy: A new sustainability paradigm? J Clean Prod 143: 757–768. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.12.048 |
| [47] |
Asgari A, Asgari R (2021) How circular economy transforms business models in a transition towards circular ecosystem: The barriers and incentives. Sustain Prod Consum 28: 566–579. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2021.06.020 doi: 10.1016/j.spc.2021.06.020
|
| [48] |
Lüdeke-Freund F, Gold S, Bocken NMP (2019) A review and typology of circular economy business model patterns. J Ind Ecol 23: 36–61. https://doi.org/10.1111/jiec.12763 doi: 10.1111/jiec.12763
|
| [49] |
Chamberlain W, Anseeuw W (2019) Inclusive businesses in agriculture: Defining the concept and its complex and evolving partnership structures in the field. Land Use Policy 83: 308–322. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2019.02.008 doi: 10.1016/j.landusepol.2019.02.008
|
| [50] |
Ochi A, Labidi MA, Saidi Y (2024) The nexus between pro-poor growth, inequality, institutions and poverty: Evidence from low and middle income developing countries. Soc Indic Res 172: 703–739. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-024-03326-7 doi: 10.1007/s11205-024-03326-7
|
| [51] |
Schoneveld GC (2020) Sustainable business models for inclusive growth: Towards a conceptual foundation of inclusive business. J Clean Prod 277: 124062. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.124062 doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.124062
|
| [52] |
Bennett EA, Grabs J (2025) How can sustainable business models distribute value more equitably in global value chains? Introducing "value chain profit sharing" as an emerging alternative to fair trade, direct trade, or solidarity trade. Bus Ethics, Environ Responsib 34: 581–601. https://doi.org/10.1111/beer.12666 doi: 10.1111/beer.12666
|
| [53] |
Maryono M, Killoes AM, Adhikari R, et al. (2024) Agriculture development through multi-stakeholder partnerships in developing countries: A systematic literature review. Agric Syst 213: 103792. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2023.103792 doi: 10.1016/j.agsy.2023.103792
|
| [54] |
Barrett CB, Bachke ME, Bellemare MF, et al. (2012) Smallholder participation in contract farming: Comparative evidence from five countries. World Dev 40: 715–730. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2011.09.006 doi: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2011.09.006
|
| [55] |
Hemming DJ, Chirwa EW, Dorward A, et al. (2018) Agricultural input subsidies for improving productivity, farm income, consumer welfare and wider growth in low‐ and lower‐middle‐income countries: A systematic review. Campbell Syst Rev 14: 1–153. https://doi.org/10.4073/csr.2018.4 doi: 10.4073/csr.2018.4
|
| [56] |
Ruml A, Ragasa C, Qaim M (2022) Contract farming, contract design and smallholder livelihoods. Aust J Agric Resour Econ 66: 24–43. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8489.12462 doi: 10.1111/1467-8489.12462
|
| [57] |
Dawe D, Timmer CP (2012) Why stable food prices are a good thing: Lessons from stabilizing rice prices in Asia. Glob Food Sec 1: 127–133. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gfs.2012.09.001 doi: 10.1016/j.gfs.2012.09.001
|
| [58] |
Walls HL, Johnston D, Tak M, et al. (2018) The impact of agricultural input subsidies on food and nutrition security: A systematic review. Food Secur 10: 1425–1436. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12571-018-0857-5 doi: 10.1007/s12571-018-0857-5
|
| [59] |
Ba HA, de Mey Y, Thoron S, et al. (2019) Inclusiveness of contract farming along the vertical coordination continuum: Evidence from the Vietnamese rice sector. Land use policy 87: 104050. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2019.104050 doi: 10.1016/j.landusepol.2019.104050
|
| [60] | Tuyen MC, Hung PX (2025) Factors affecting contract farming enforcement in rice production in Vietnam. In: Kostavelis I, Folinas D, Aidonis D, et al. (Eds.), Cham, Springer Nature Switzerland, 237–250. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-69351-9_21 |
| [61] |
Allen S, de Brauw A (2018) Nutrition sensitive value chains: Theory, progress, and open questions. Glob Food Sec 16: 22–28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gfs.2017.07.002 doi: 10.1016/j.gfs.2017.07.002
|
| [62] |
Donovan J, Gelli A (2019) Designing interventions in local value chains for improved health and nutrition: Insights from Malawi. World Dev Perspect 16: 100149. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wdp.2019.100149 doi: 10.1016/j.wdp.2019.100149
|
| [63] |
Pingali P, Sunder N (2017) Transitioning toward nutrition-sensitive food systems in developing countries. Annu Rev Resour Econ 9: 439–459. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-resource-100516-053552 doi: 10.1146/annurev-resource-100516-053552
|
| [64] |
Thakur AK, Uphoff NT (2017) How the system of rice intensification can contribute to climate‐smart agriculture. Agron J 109: 1163–1182. https://doi.org/10.2134/agronj2016.03.0162 doi: 10.2134/agronj2016.03.0162
|
| [65] |
Azadi H, Movahhed Moghaddam S, Burkart S, et al. (2021) Rethinking resilient agriculture: From climate-smart agriculture to vulnerable-smart agriculture. J Clean Prod 319: 128602. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.128602 doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.128602
|
| [66] |
Davis B, Lipper L, Winters P (2022) Do not transform food systems on the backs of the rural poor. Food Secur 14: 729–740. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12571-021-01214-3 doi: 10.1007/s12571-021-01214-3
|
| [67] |
Claeys P, Desmarais AA, Singh J (2021) Food sovereignty, food security and the right to food. Handb Crit Agrar Stud 238–249. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781788972468.00035 doi: 10.4337/9781788972468.00035
|
| [68] |
Sommerville M, Essex J, Le Billon P (2014) The 'Global food crisis' and the geopolitics of food security. Geopolitics 19: 239–265. https://doi.org/10.1080/14650045.2013.811641 doi: 10.1080/14650045.2013.811641
|
| [69] |
Vidergar P, Perc M, Lukman RK (2021) A survey of the life cycle assessment of food supply chains. J Clean Prod 286. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.125506 doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.125506
|
Figures(4) / Tables(1)
Suprehatin Suprehatin, Adi Wijaya, Joni Murti Mulyo Aji, Vina Yunita Ria, Sujianto Sujianto. Investigating rice value chain research: A science mapping[J]. AIMS Agriculture and Food, 2026, 11(1): 1-16. doi: 10.3934/agrfood.2026001
DownLoad: