Journal of Research and Rural Planning

Journal of Research and Rural Planning

Social Life Cycle Assessment of Rice Production: A Systematic Review and Implications for Sustainable Rural Development

Document Type : Review Articles

Authors
Elnaz Asheri-Gafsheh 1
Majid Yasouri 1
Ali Hajinejad 1
Ashkan Nabavi-Pelesaraei 2
1 University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
2 Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
10.22067/jrrp.v15i3.2606-1168
Abstract
Purpose- Rice production plays a fundamental role in ensuring food security and sustaining rural livelihoods worldwide. Despite its economic importance, rice production systems are often associated with social challenges such as inadequate working conditions, income inequality, and occupational health risks.
Design/methodology/approach- This study systematically reviews the application of Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) in rice production systems with a focus on its contribution to sustainable rural social development. A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA protocol. Relevant studies were retrieved from international scientific databases, and after screening, the selected studies were analyzed based on stakeholder groups, social indicators, assessment approaches, and reported social impacts.
Finding- The resuls reveal that occupational health and safety, fair wages, labor rights, and the well-being of farmers are the most frequently assessed social issues. Organic and socially oriented production systems generally demonstrate better social performance than conventional systems. However, concerns such as child labor, labor exploitation, and unequal access to economic opportunities remain evident. Most existing studies focus primarily on workers and farmers, while broader dimensions of rural social development, including social resilience and community participation, receive considerably less attention. The limited number of available studies and methodological heterogeneity highlight the need for greater standardization in future S-LCA research.
Originality/value- The results emphasize the importance of incorporating social dimensions into agricultural policies and demonstrate the potential of S-LCA as a decision-support tool for promoting socially sustainable rice production systems. This study provides an integrated synthesis of S-LCA applications in rice production and explicitly links social life cycle assessment outcomes to sustainable rural social development.
Keywords
Rice production
Social life cycle assessment
Social sustainability
Sustainable rural development
Rural livelihoods
Sustainable agriculture
Subjects
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  • Receive Date 14 June 2026
  • Revise Date 16 August 2026
  • Accept Date 03 September 2026