Short Food Supply Chain Status and Pathway in Africa: A Systematic Literature Review

This study reviews the status and direction of Short Food Supply Chains (SFSCs) in Africa, examining their potential to enhance food security, resilience, and smallholder empowerment. Synthesising 69 peer-reviewed studies from 25 African countries, the analysis identifies nine recurring themes consolidated into four clusters: governance, resilience and sustainability; urbanisation and participation; innovation and logistics; and inclusion and equity. The findings show that research is concentrated in South Africa, Ghana, and Kenya, but also highlight emerging diversity across the continent. SFSCs strengthen local resilience and urban food system integration, yet remain limited by weak digital infrastructure, policy fragmentation, and underdeveloped equity measures, especially regarding youth and gender. The review contributes to debates on food sovereignty, political ecology, and sustainability transitions by situating African SFSCs within broader food system transformations. It proposes a policy roadmap prioritising participatory governance, digital market innovation, and inclusive procurement as pathways for institutionalising SFSCs in Africa.