Lynchpinning Agri-SME Supply Chain Pulse for Food Security in Africa and the Role of Nanoscale and Biotechnological Innovations

This study investigates the role of nanoscale and biotechnological innovations as the lynchpin of a revitalised supply chain pulse of agri-SMEs, conceptualised as the composite operational vitality of efficiency, traceability, and adaptability. Grounded in the Technology–Organisation–Environment framework and Diffusion of Innovation Theory, a quantitative research design was employed, drawing on structured questionnaire data from 280 agri-SMEs across East, West, and Southern Africa. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling was applied to test seven hypothesised relationships. Results confirm that nanoscale innovation adoption and biotechnological innovation adoption both exert significant positive effects on the supply chain pulse. Supply chain pulse, in turn, strongly mediates the relationships between nanoscale innovation adoption and biotechnological innovation adoption. The study advances an empirically validated Supply Chain Pulse Model for agricultural enterprises and offers evidence-based policy recommendations that underscore the need for coordinated action across financing, regulation, skills development, and consumer awareness.