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PurposeAgrifood value chains in developing countries are transforming into higher value markets which require sustainable practices, with smallholders playing a critical role. However, smallholders are a heterogeneous group which may have... more
PurposeAgrifood value chains in developing countries are transforming into higher value markets which require sustainable practices, with smallholders playing a critical role. However, smallholders are a heterogeneous group which may have discrepancies in outcomes to meet sustainability standards. This paper aims to empirically investigate smallholders' heterogeneity towards sustainable value chain practice in developing countries.Design/methodology/approachEight key enabling factors of sustainable value chain transformation were used to explore smallholders' typology, then profiled, based on their socio-economic status and current practices. A quantitative method was applied in Indonesia's cashew sector with 159 respondents from the primary producer area on Madura Island. A combination of descriptive analysis, cluster analysis, cross-tab analysis and one-way ANOVA analysis was used in this study.FindingsFour types of groups were identified, each with distinct characteristics and arranged in priority order as follows: accelerator, progressor, inattentive and conservative groups. Interventions can be implemented on per clusters basis or based on potential similarities among clusters, depending on priority. It is noted that the pursuit of sustainable value chain practices by smallholders is not necessarily associated with high socio-economic status, as those with low socio-economic status may have a stronger inclination towards them.Practical implicationsThe paper enhances awareness of practitioners and policymakers regarding smallholders' heterogeneity in sustainable value chain practice. It enables more effective and focused interventions to support smallholders who require assistance in sustainable production and value-adding activities. Different smallholders' characteristics call for different assistance/intervention. Practitioners can recognise smallholders' characteristics that are more compatible with higher value markets and sustainability requirements to better integrate their practices. Policymakers must carefully develop short-term and long-term interventions based on the activities prioritised by particular traits to “hit the right button” for smallholders' practice development.Originality/valueThis study investigates the typology of smallholders towards sustainable value chain practices by using eight enabling factors and profiling them based on their socio-economic condition and current practices. Additionally, this study shifts the focus of typology exploration away from the traditional lens of farm sustainability to a larger perspective which encompasses sustainable value chain activities.
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The NZ wine sector is one of the most active NZ agribusiness sectors in terms of environmental sustainability initiatives and yet individual wineries vary widely in their commitment to environmental sustainability. The aim of this... more
The NZ wine sector is one of the most active NZ agribusiness sectors in terms of environmental sustainability initiatives and yet individual wineries vary widely in their commitment to environmental sustainability. The aim of this exploratory research, therefore, was to analyse why NZ wineries respond to the environmental sustainability agenda and to the Life Cycle Management (LCM) dimensions of this agenda. The results of this study indicate that adoption of a life cycle perspective in a certification programme is not a “selling point” for companies considering certification; however, the life cycle approach can lead to identification of new insights and related initiatives. Those advocating for adoption of LCM may wish to highlight these benefits as opposed to – or in addition to – expounding a narrative around expanded environmental responsibility along the supply chain.
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Research Interests: Business and Procurement
Research Interests: Business and Postharvest
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Purpose Despite the fact that citrus industry is growing in Pakistan where production is dominated by small-scale citrus growers, no research has been done to evaluate and analyse the marketing channel choice decision-making process of... more
Purpose Despite the fact that citrus industry is growing in Pakistan where production is dominated by small-scale citrus growers, no research has been done to evaluate and analyse the marketing channel choice decision-making process of these citrus growers. The purpose of this paper is to review the existing factors affecting decision making of small-size citrus growers in citrus supply chain in Pakistan and also measures and analyses the factors that affect the marketing channel decisions of these small size growers. Design/methodology/approach A multivariate decision analysis technique, conjoint analysis, was used to analyse and evaluate the major factors affecting marketing channel choice decisions of small-size citrus growers. Findings It was concluded that among nine very important factors, six factors played a major role in the marketing channel choice decision making. Only three factors namely, “price”, “time of complete fruit picking” and “number of fruit pickings” were considered highly important factors and reflected that citrus growers not only want to secure his payments but also to save their orchards for next season(s). Research limitations/implications The research would provide valuable information about citrus grower’s marketing decision-making process and thus would contribute to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of citrus industry in Pakistan. Originality/value This analysis would suggest them to make rational decisions and help choosing them the most appropriate combination of different levels of different factors which would increase their profits. This study identifies the most relevant factors and their levels which citrus growers and pre-harvest contractors preferred in citrus marketing channel choice decision making, thus, server as a guideline for the buyer’s to deal with them accordingly. This would improve the efficiency and reduce the transaction cost along the citrus supply chain in Pakistan.
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Citrus fruit is a perishable and seasonal agricultural produce and requires effective and efficient management to market it. The citrus supply chain is multifaceted and complex due to the presence of a large number of intermediaries.... more
Citrus fruit is a perishable and seasonal agricultural produce and requires effective and efficient management to market it. The citrus supply chain is multifaceted and complex due to the presence of a large number of intermediaries. Therefore, the selection of an appropriate marketing channel by growers involves a complex decision making process. Despite of the fact that citrus industry is growing in Pakistan where production is dominated by small scale citrus growers, no research has been done to evaluate and analyse the marketing channel choice decision making process of these citrus growers .A number of transaction costs, scocio-economic, demographic and psychological factors are involved in this decision making process. This paper reviews the existing factors affecting decision making of small size citrus growers in citrus supply chain in Pakistan and also measures and analyses the factors that affect the marketing channel decisions of these small size growers. A multivariate decision analysis technique, conjoint analysis, has been used to analyse and evaluate the major factors affecting marketing channel choice decisions of small size citrus growers. The research would provide valuable information about citrus grower‟s marketing decision making process and thus would contribute to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of citrus industry in Pakistan. Aus. Aca. Busi & Eco. Rev Vol 1(1), July 2015, P 50-84
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Research Interests: Business and Agriculture
ABSTRACT
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The application of suitable leadership styles and consideration of certain dimensions (operational and social outcomes) are pivotal tools for chain coordinators (CEOs, managing directors and head of departments) to achieve coordination... more
The application of suitable leadership styles and consideration of certain dimensions (operational and social outcomes) are pivotal tools for chain coordinators (CEOs, managing directors and head of departments) to achieve coordination success. The linkages are scrutinized by applying structural equation modeling to the data collected from UK’s selected agri-food supply chains (dairy, meat, apples, onions and wine). The findings suggest that chain coordinators’ participative leadership style is significantly correlated with the effectiveness of supply chain coordination (operational, social and financial performance). Moreover, operational (service and product quality) and social (satisfaction with/trust in supply chain partners) outcomes are found to be important determinants of financial performance. This empirical investigation enhances the understanding of chain coordinators and thus contributes to determine best practices for modern agri-food supply chains
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Strategic marketing decisions (SMDs) of farmers are essential elements in response to the worldwide transformation of agri-food marketing systems. Generally, SMDs are made in regards to the goals that need to be accomplished. This paper... more
Strategic marketing decisions (SMDs) of farmers are essential elements in response to the worldwide transformation of agri-food marketing systems. Generally, SMDs are made in regards to the goals that need to be accomplished. This paper aims to analyse the relationship between farmers' goals and SMDs of fruit farmers in Thailand. It is a quantitative survey study with 216 fruit farmer respondents. Nineteen goal statements based on extensive literature review and the results of the pilot study were developed. The survey data was analysed by using the principal component analysis (PCA) that grouped the farmers' goals into four factors, i.e. effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability and self-sufficiency. These factors were then tested based on their effects on the SMDs by using a logistic regression. The results suggested that farmers who participated in high-value markets were usually more market oriented, while farmers who utilised traditional marketing channels were usually production oriented. The results are informative to policy makers and industry stakeholders in fulfilling the complex goals of farmers as they are a key part in success of the fruit industry in Thailand.
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The application of suitable leadership styles and consideration of certain dimensions (operational and social outcomes) are pivotal tools for chain coordinators (CEOs, managing directors and head of departments) to achieve coordination... more
The application of suitable leadership styles and consideration of certain dimensions (operational and social outcomes) are pivotal tools for chain coordinators (CEOs, managing directors and head of departments) to achieve coordination success. The linkages are scrutinized by applying structural equation modeling to the data collected from UK’s selected agri-food supply chains (dairy, meat, apples, onions and wine). The findings suggest that chain coordinators’ participative leadership style is significantly correlated with the effectiveness of supply chain coordination (operational, social and financial performance). Moreover, operational (service and product quality) and social (satisfaction with/trust in supply chain partners) outcomes are found to be important determinants of financial performance. This empirical investigation enhances the understanding of chain coordinators and thus contributes to determine best practices for modern agri-food supply chains
Research Interests: Business and Supply Chain
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ABSTRACT
The global agrifood trade is highly reliant on developing countries, which affects value chain transformation and which often results in an imbalance of governance and value addition. In order to address this imbalance and increase the... more
The global agrifood trade is highly reliant on developing countries, which affects value chain transformation and which often results in an imbalance of governance and value addition. In order to address this imbalance and increase the overall value creation, this paper develops and empirically tests a framework for agrifood value chain transformation in developing countries. The research employs a qualitative methodology to explore the proposed framework, which is based on a value chain maturity assessment of current practice and identification of a transformation route. Three primary value chain maturity levels in developing countries are established: traditional, managed, and best practice. Each level is determined using key indicators relating to governance (vertical-horizontal coordination, and information flow) and value addition (value orientation, safety, and quality). The application of this framework to Indonesia’s cashew nuts value chain reveals a mix of traditional and m...
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Yealands Wine Group is a young NZ wine company established in 2008, incorporating environmental sustainability as a core business principle from inception. In 2012, Yealands was the sixth largest wine company in NZ with sales of 750,000... more
Yealands Wine Group is a young NZ wine company established in 2008, incorporating environmental sustainability as a core business principle from inception. In 2012, Yealands was the sixth largest wine company in NZ with sales of 750,000 cases. They achieved a significant growth in sales for a short period of time. However, the sales forecasted in the next few years are less optimistic. Can Yealands use sustainability to drive sales and growth?
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Agriculture/horticulture has traditionally been an important sector in the economy of Bulgaria. The paper outlines the structural changes in Bulgarian agriculture since 1989 and discusses the product and market orientation of the... more
Agriculture/horticulture has traditionally been an important sector in the economy of Bulgaria. The paper outlines the structural changes in Bulgarian agriculture since 1989 and discusses the product and market orientation of the horticultural farms in the Plovdiv region of Bulgaria. This paper analyses how farm owners / managers with different sized farms evaluated 5 product/market strategic options: ‘doing what you currently do but better’, ‘developing new horticultural products’, ‘developing new markets’, ‘developing new agricultural activities ’ and ‘developing new non-agricultural activities’. The owners / managers identifi ed; whether they perceived these options as feasible for their future development, the encouraging/discouraging factors and the outcomes they expected from their implementation. The small-scale farms (less than 2 ha) were mainly subsistence farms that were relying upon the farmer’s experience to survive during the transition period. The second type of farm (...
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Agriculture/horticulture has traditionally been an important sector in the economy of Bulgaria. In the last two-three decades, agriculture has changed dramatically due to factors including economic reform from a centrally planned economy... more
Agriculture/horticulture has traditionally been an important sector in the economy of Bulgaria. In the last two-three decades, agriculture has changed dramatically due to factors including economic reform from a centrally planned economy to a free market economy, political conflicts between the governing parties, agricultural reform, inefficient governmental decisions, poor legislation, lack of capital for investments, de-population of rural areas and the accession process towards the European Union (EU). This paper reviews the structural changes in Bulgarian agriculture since the period of Communism began (1944) and discusses the current situation for horticultural farms of different sizes in the Plovdiv region of Bulgaria. The respondents identified their cropping structure and land ownership patterns together with their marketing structure. Farm managers ’ future vision is also discussed. The small-scale farms (less than 2 ha) were mainly subsistence farms that were primarily inv...
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Citrus fruit is a perishable and seasonal agricultural produce and requires effective and efficient management to market it. The citrus supply chain is multifaceted and complex due to the presence of a large number of intermediaries.... more
Citrus fruit is a perishable and seasonal agricultural produce and requires effective and efficient management to market it. The citrus supply chain is multifaceted and complex due to the presence of a large number of intermediaries. Therefore, the selection of an appropriate marketing channel by growers involves a complex decision making process. Despite of the fact that citrus industry is growing in Pakistan where production is dominated by small scale citrus growers, no research has been done to evaluate and analyse the marketing channel choice decision making process of these citrus growers .A number of transaction costs, scocio-economic, demographic and psychological factors are involved in this decision making process. This paper reviews the existing factors affecting decision making of small size citrus growers in citrus supply chain in Pakistan and also measures and analyses the factors that affect the marketing channel decisions of these small size growers. A multivariate d...
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Benchmarking has emerged as an effective tool for measuring and improving performance. Benchmarking of agri-food supply chain networks (SCNs) is complex due to their unique features including perishability and shelf life, seasonality of... more
Benchmarking has emerged as an effective tool for measuring and improving performance. Benchmarking of agri-food supply chain networks (SCNs) is complex due to their unique features including perishability and shelf life, seasonality of production, variability of quality and quantity, long production throughput time, and need of specialized transportation. This paper proposes to benchmark performance and best practices of milk SCNs in Pakistan and New Zealand. A conceptual framework based on Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model conforming to the specific needs of agri-food SCNs is proposed to measure performance and identify best practices. The framework integrates relevant food quality measures with the SCOR metrics. Moreover, the framework involves performing Gap Analysis to identify performance gaps between milk SCNs in Pakistan and New Zealand. The best practices leading to superior performance in milk SCN in New Zealand will be recommended for milk SCN in Pakistan wit...
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Agriculture/horticulture has traditionally been an important sector in the economy of Bulgaria. This paper reviews the changes in agriculture/horticulture in the Plovdiv region of Bulgaria after 1989 when the transition towards a free... more
Agriculture/horticulture has traditionally been an important sector in the economy of Bulgaria. This paper reviews the changes in agriculture/horticulture in the Plovdiv region of Bulgaria after 1989 when the transition towards a free market economy began. In particular, it provides a review of the internal capabilities (strengths and weaknesses) of the horticultural farms and the impact upon them of the external environment (opportunities and threats). While many farmers regarded their experience as a strength, farmers having farms of different size identified additional different strengths, and different weaknesses and opportunities. Whereas, all of them were influenced by similar threats and the relative importance of these perceived threats did not varied depending upon the size of the farm.
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Strategic marketing decisions (SMDs) of farmers are essential elements in response to the worldwide transformation of agri-food marketing systems. Generally, SMDs are made in regards to the goals that need to be accomplished. This paper... more
Strategic marketing decisions (SMDs) of farmers are essential elements in response to the worldwide transformation of agri-food marketing systems. Generally, SMDs are made in regards to the goals that need to be accomplished. This paper aims to analyse the relationship between farmers' goals and SMDs of fruit farmers in Thailand. It is a quantitative survey study with 216 fruit farmer respondents. Nineteen goal statements based on extensive literature review and the results of the pilot study were developed. The survey data was analysed by using the principal component analysis (PCA) that grouped the farmers' goals into four factors, i.e. effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability and self-sufficiency. These factors were then tested based on their effects on the SMDs by using a logistic regression. The results suggested that farmers who participated in high-value markets were usually more market oriented, while farmers who utilised traditional marketing channels were usually ...
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The process of transition from a centrally planned economy established during the period of Socialism (1944-1989) to a free market economy, began in 1989 and since then a range of reforms (political, economic and agricultural) that have... more
The process of transition from a centrally planned economy established during the period of Socialism (1944-1989) to a free market economy, began in 1989 and since then a range of reforms (political, economic and agricultural) that have affected the agricultural/horticultural sector in the country have taken place. The agricultural reform began in 1991 with the liquidation of the state Agricultural Industrial Complexes (AICs) and the introduction of private farming that established two main organisational structures: private farms and private co-operatives. The situation in agricultural/horticultural sector in Bulgaria and in the Plovdiv region has been placed in a critical condition with decreased production outputs when compared to the prereform levels due to the loss of established markets, high production costs, limited governmental financial and marketing support, old plots of perennial crops (orchards and vineyards), obsolete machinery and technologies and a highly fragmented ...
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The NZ wine sector is one of the most active NZ agribusiness sectors in terms of environmental sustainability initiatives and yet individual wineries vary widely in their commitment to environmental sustainability. The aim of this... more
The NZ wine sector is one of the most active NZ agribusiness sectors in terms of environmental sustainability initiatives and yet individual wineries vary widely in their commitment to environmental sustainability. The aim of this exploratory research, therefore, was to analyse why NZ wineries respond to the environmental sustainability agenda and to the Life Cycle Management (LCM) dimensions of this agenda. The results of this study indicate that adoption of a life cycle perspective in a certification programme is not a “selling point” for companies considering certification; however, the life cycle approach can lead to identification of new insights and related initiatives. Those advocating for adoption of LCM may wish to highlight these benefits as opposed to – or in addition to – expounding a narrative around expanded environmental responsibility along the supply chain.
Enhancing smallholder farmers’ access to reliable, ready, and direct marketing channels is a prerequisite for sustainable food supply and poverty reduction in the developing countries including Ghana. However, it is a great challenge for... more
Enhancing smallholder farmers’ access to reliable, ready, and direct marketing channels is a prerequisite for sustainable food supply and poverty reduction in the developing countries including Ghana. However, it is a great challenge for smallholder farmers to access direct marketing channels in Ghana. This paper analyzes the factors that influence smallholder rice farmers’ participation, and the intensity of participation, in direct marketing channels using primary data from 199 farmers in three rice-growing districts in the Northern Region of Ghana. A double hurdle model was used in the empirical analysis. The study findings show that a lower percentage of farmers sold their rice output to processors (direct marketing). Farm size, the price of rice output per 85 kg bag, access to market information, and access to credit increased farmers’ participation in direct marketing channels, whereas payment period and ownership of a bicycle reduced their participation. The study concludes t...
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Agriculture faces significant challenges in responding to the rapidly changing global agribusiness environment. Due to the decreased incomes in agriculture in the last few decades, farm diversification is frequently recommended as one... more
Agriculture faces significant challenges in responding to the rapidly changing global agribusiness environment. Due to the decreased incomes in agriculture in the last few decades, farm diversification is frequently recommended as one approach to business survival. The paper outlines the structural changes in Bulgarian agriculture since 1944. This paper also analyses how farm managers with different farm types (size and land ownership patterns) evaluated two strategic options, ‘related’ diversification (introducing new agricultural activities) and ‘unrelated’ diversification (introducing new nonagricultural activities). The managers identified whether they perceived these strategies as feasible for their future development, what factors encouraged/discouraged diversification and the outcomes they expected from diversification. Farm diversification was perceived as an innovative business approach, irrespective of farm size and landownership patterns, which was viewed as feasible in t...
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The case study is aimed at discussing the strategic and organizational implications of recent value adding and branding initiatives in New Zealand’s strong wool industry with special attention to decisions by a group of farmers. The... more
The case study is aimed at discussing the strategic and organizational implications of recent value adding and branding initiatives in New Zealand’s strong wool industry with special attention to decisions by a group of farmers. The objective of the case study is to discuss (a) the value of past and current generic promotion campaigns in the wool industry; (b) the viability of recent private value adding and branding campaigns, as well as of the organizations behind such initiatives; (c) the likely impact of the initiatives in the economy of the farmers; (d) if farmers should invest in any of the value adding companies or not (d) if farmers should engage collectively in supporting any of the initiatives, and if so how. This case study can be used in advanced undergrads, graduate and executive classes.
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To service high-value international markets, many agrifood value chains in developing countries are required to transform to meet the strict quality and safety standards. This transformation process has become further complicated by... more
To service high-value international markets, many agrifood value chains in developing countries are required to transform to meet the strict quality and safety standards. This transformation process has become further complicated by increased sustainability expectations. The key players in these countries, typically smallholders, are struggling to meet this new sustainability value focus. Economic drivers pervade in this context, whilst the lack of integration often decouples producers from the end market. To address these challenges, this paper develops a framework to enable sustainable agrifood value chain transformation in developing countries. A narrative review was used to analyse the major enablers and barriers in sustainable agrifood value chain transformation specifically in developing countries. The framework novelty lies in the synthesis and prioritisation of transformations actions, by integrating three central dimensions: sustainability, governance, and value addition. T...
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A value chain approach is increasingly used in the agrifood sector to help respond to the globalised food system. However, the agrifood value chain in many developing countries faces additional challenges to address any changes regarding... more
A value chain approach is increasingly used in the agrifood sector to help respond to the globalised food system. However, the agrifood value chain in many developing countries faces additional challenges to address any changes regarding the prevalence of smallholder players. Meanwhile, value chain studies are still limited in many developing countries, such as in Indonesia. Therefore, this paper aims to assess agrifood value chain in a developing country context. A qualitative methodology was applied in Indonesia’s cashew sector, specifically in the Sumenep Regency of Madura Island. A value chain mapping tool was used by focusing on governance (vertical-horizontal coordination and information flow) and value addition (safety, quality, and value orientation). The results showed that value chain mapping is a powerful tool to draw the complex interaction within the dynamics between different value chain actors. The exploration in Indonesia’s cashew sector showed that there is a gap in...