Topic ID No.: 2026-G16
Title of research topic:
From Compliance to Transformation: Analysing impacts of Corporate Due Diligence in Agricultural Supply Chains
Description:
Regulations, such as the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), have wide-reaching implications for companies. This research project will focus on the implications of the EU CSDDD for agri-food supply chains originating from Southern Africa.
Target region or country (if applicable):
South Africa, Malawi, Southern Africa (SADC)
Topic background information / scientific relevance:
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) serves as the bedrock of transparent due diligence and the subsequent reporting required under the EU CSRD and CSDDD. However, these processes (i.e. ESRS) (EFRAG, 2025) are frequently criticised for prioritising procedural compliance over the generation of accurate, actionable information (Hummel & Bauernhofer, 2024; Mai-Lan, 2012). This often results in single-purpose data, gathered solely for regulatory compliance. Current reporting practices neglect the potential of M&E to catalyse 'double-loop learning,' using monitoring results not just for correction, but to drive systemic transformation and restructuring of the underlying business models that generate risk.
Similarly, both academic discourse and industry practice to date prioritise the ex-ante stages of Responsible Business Conduct (RBC), such as policy embedding, risk assessment, and implementation (OECD Steps 1–3) (OECD, 2018). This results in a critical knowledge gap in ex-post monitoring (OECD Step 4). Specifically, this deficit compromises two key areas: the substantive validity of verification protocols, and the organizational utility of data required for ‘institutional learning’ (Popper & Lipshitz, 2000) and structural adaptation.
In addition, there is a lack in the assessment the effectiveness of the due diligence regulation which also comes back to insufficient reporting.
Research objectives:
The research objective oft this project is to analyse the CSDDD implementation in export-oriented companies based in South Africa and Malawi (Southern Africa) with a focus on monitoring and reporting and assessment of the effectiveness of the regulations. A spatial mapping of export clusters, knowledge and information system will be part of the research objectives. A linkage to existing trade data bases or analysis of media reports for a compilation of CSDDD complaints may be established.
Required skills and qualifications of the applicant:
- Excellent knowledge and understanding of the CSDDD regulation and process
- Solid understanding of international agri-food value chain organization
- Experience in participatory approaches
Contact person and institute in charge:
Prof. Dr. Christine Wieck. University of Hohenheim. Institute of Agricultural Policy and Markets. Department of Agricultural and Food Policy.
christine.wieck@uni-hohenheim.de