How does blockchain impact sustainable food security? Insights from literature review

•We assessed the intellectual structure that enhanced the cognizance of blockchain in food security.•Emergent keywords (Q4) remain imperative, even in the early stages of blockchain advancement.•We employed the “Multiple Correspondence Analysis” approach to identify future research areas.•We developed a conceptual framework focusing on key indicators, stakeholders and adoption drivers.•The study discerns AI, Big Data and Data Analytics as novel research areas in food security. Blockchain technology can enhance sustainable food security because of its distinct characteristics such as traceability, decentralized and unchangeable databases, and smart contract protocols. Nevertheless, blockchain technology in agricultural applications is still in the early stages of development. Therefore, this study aims to ascertain the efficiency and cognitive framework of blockchain technology for attaining long-term food security. This study used a review-based approach to ascertain the intellectual framework. A literature search was conducted using the "Scopus" database to locate research articles published between 2017 and 2023. A “systematic literature review” was performed using the PRISMA framework on the 52 eligible publications. The study results indicated that traceability, real-time information availability, and immutably distributed databases were the most influential factors. The results showed that blockchain technology has benefits beyond facilitating reliable data dissemination and establishing intimate bonds between manufacturers and clients. Furthermore, blockchain technology may pave the way for less food waste, improved supply chains and agricultural working environments, and more environmentally responsible eating practices. This study is the first of its kind to assess the intellectual structure of food security and augment the cognition of the in-depth examination of the benefits of blockchain technology that might ultimately provide a way to achieve zero-hunger goals.