Food Business and the Global Water Challenge

Table of Contents

1 Introduction

2 Linking Water, Farmers, and Context

2.1 A Precious Resource

2.2 Rising Competition for Water

2.3 Meeting the Challenges

3 The Framework: Stakeholder Theory

3.1 Changes in the Business Environment

3.2 Stakeholder Theory and Relationships

4 Linking Food Business, Environmental Stakeholders, and Farmers

4.1 Changes in the Agri-Food Chain

4.2 Linking Food Business and Environmental Stakeholders

4.3 Linking Food Business and Farmers

5 Case Study: GlobalGAP

5.1 Background and Significance

5.2 Impact on Water Management

5.3 Relationships with Environmental Stakeholders

5.4 Relationships with Farmers

6 Case Study: Nestlé

6.1 Background and Significance

6.2 Impact on Water Management

6.3 Relationships with Environmental Stakeholders

6.4 Relationships with Farmers

6.5 Collaborating in Initiatives

7 Conclusions

8 Abstract

Research Objective and Core Topics

This thesis examines how food businesses manage their relationships with environmental stakeholders and farmers to address global water scarcity challenges. It aims to determine if current corporate engagement strategies facilitate efficient and sustainable agricultural water management, particularly in developing countries.

• Impact of global water scarcity on agricultural production and business.
• Application of stakeholder theory in the context of global agri-food supply chains.
• Analysis of corporate governance through case studies of GlobalGAP and Nestlé.
• The critical role of Environmental Special-Interest Groups (ESIGs) in shaping business practices.
• Identification of critical success factors for sustainable water management and supply chain relations.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Main Chapters

1 Introduction: Provides the background on global water scarcity and defines the central research question regarding the role of food business in water management.

2 Linking Water, Farmers, and Context: Explores the multifaceted value of water and the intensifying competitive pressures on water resources within agricultural production.

3 The Framework: Stakeholder Theory: Introduces stakeholder theory as a primary analytical framework to understand modern corporate relationships and business dynamics.

4 Linking Food Business, Environmental Stakeholders, and Farmers: Analyzes the structural changes in the agri-food chain and identifies critical success factors for managing relationships with stakeholders.

5 Case Study: GlobalGAP: Evaluates the GlobalGAP certification scheme's impact on agricultural water management and its stakeholder engagement practices.

6 Case Study: Nestlé: Investigates the practices of the world’s largest food company regarding water management, reporting, and collaboration with farmers and ESIGs.

7 Conclusions: Synthesizes the findings from the case studies to answer the central research question regarding corporate influence on sustainable water use.

8 Abstract: Summarizes the key insights and the necessity for further research into the impact of food business on water resources.

Keywords

Food Business, Water Scarcity, Stakeholder Theory, GlobalGAP, Nestlé, Agri-Food Chain, Environmental Stakeholders, Farmers, Water Management, Sustainable Agriculture, Corporate Social Responsibility, Supply Chain, Accountability, Value Creation, Irrigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this research?

The research explores the intersection of food business activities, global water scarcity, and the management of relationships with key stakeholders like farmers and environmental groups.

Which theoretical framework is employed?

The work utilizes stakeholder theory, specifically the stakeholder approach, to examine how firms manage complex relationships in a changing global business environment.

What is the central research question?

The main question is whether food businesses effectively satisfy the interests of Environmental Special-Interest Groups and farmers to promote efficient and environmentally sustainable water management in developing countries.

Which methodology is used to conduct this study?

The study uses a qualitative research approach based on a comprehensive literature review and two detailed case studies of the GlobalGAP certification scheme and the company Nestlé.

What does the main body of the paper cover?

It covers the macro-trends in the agri-food sector, the application of stakeholder theory, and detailed empirical analyses of how GlobalGAP and Nestlé interact with environmental stakeholders and farmers.

What are the characterizing keywords of this work?

Key terms include water management, stakeholder inclusivity, agri-food chains, sustainability, and corporate accountability.

How does GlobalGAP address the water challenge?

GlobalGAP acts as a private sector standard that incorporates specific compliance criteria for irrigation and water protection, which producers must meet to be certified.

What was found regarding Nestlé's role?

The study suggests that while Nestlé makes water a priority in its internal reporting and supports farmers, there remains a need for greater transparency to make the real-world impact on agricultural water usage measurable.