On Economizing Local Foods Networks in Developing Countries

Abstract

Economizing is associated with efficient resource use in networks. Based on preceding studies that have revealed particularities of local food production, that they resemble more services than modernistic food production, this entails a need to enhance networking supported by cheap and easy to use information technology. Conceptual understandings from preceding studies on local food networks in developed countries are applied to discuss adaptation regarding networking in local food production in developing economies. The discussion suggests that in these economies local foods needs to focus on enhancing interaction and gradually on automating the supply chain. In addition, developing economies should consider hybrid supply chain solutions, where only the upstream food production is considered “local”.