Identifying sustainability drivers in the aquaculture value chain to enhance food security using a mixed methods approach

This study examines how major sustainability drivers in the aquaculture value chain shape food security outcomes. Drawing on a mixed-methods approach, it identifies and prioritizes the environmental, operational, and institutional factors that affect sustainability performance. The qualitative findings were combined with quantitative analysis to evaluate the relative importance of each factor. The results suggest that while better operational practices, such as improved water management and transport efficiency, can enhance value chain resilience, institutional factors—particularly human resource capacity, innovation, and financial access—have the strongest overall effect. In doing so, the study provides empirical insight into how sustainability mechanisms in aquaculture relate to food security and proposes a structured prioritization framework to support policy and strategic decision-making in the sector.