Agribusiness development and the role of value chain business associations

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the rationale for value chain business associations and construct a conceptual framework for establishing and managing a value chain association, using the value chain for dried fruits and vegetables in Tanzania as the empirical basis. Design/methodology/approach To achieve the objectives of the paper, a conventional approach involving literature review, framework development, and data collection and analysis was used to conceptualise the organisation of a value chain association in a developing country context. Findings The study finds rationale for a value chain-based business association based on the literature review, observations and discussions from the stakeholder workshop. Research limitations/implications It has been suggested that upgrading the currently fragmented dried fruit and vegetable value chain to encompass all value chain actors might have implications towards “creativity”, “innovation” and “entrepreneurial abilities” along the value chain, i.e. resources and competences that could enhance the value of the market offer and thus the competitiveness of the whole value chain. A value chain-based business association might be one of the stepping-stones to enhance innovative and entrepreneurial abilities for strong and competitive value chain activities. Originality/value If the literature has been relatively silent on business associations understood primarily as industry associations, it has been completely silent on value chain associations. This paper therefore makes explicit contribution on the conceptualization of value chain association with a particular focus on the developing country setting.

The effectiveness of development aid for agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa

“…Third, recent agricultural literature on agro-allied industrialization for development in Africa has largely focused on inter alia: the effect of irrigation on food production (Nonvide, 2017); improving productivity via warehousing systems (Katunze et al, 2017); gender differences among subsistence farmers and the willingness to undertake agribusiness (Coker et al, 2017); the role of the female farmer entrepreneurs in poverty reduction (Nukpeza and Blankson, 2017); multinationals in Africa's food retail businesses (Nandonde and Kuada, 2017); transmission of international food prices (or imported inflation)to African markets (Furceri et al 2016;van Weezel, S., 2016;Fiamohe et al, 2015); the role of value chains in agricultural business (Ndyetabula et al, 2016) and the composition of agricultural productivity (Mohamed et al, 2016). Noticeably missing is that the literature on the nexus between foreign aid and agriculture has not assessed whether ODA for agriculture and rural development is relevant in increasing productivity in agriculture.…”

“…The effectiveness of development aid (Nandonde and Kuada, 2017); transmission of international food prices (or imported inflation) to African markets (Furceri et al 2016;Van Weezel, 2016;Fiamohe et al, 2015); the role of value chains in agricultural business (Ndyetabula et al, 2016) and the composition of agricultural productivity (Mohamed et al, 2016). Noticeably, missing is that the literature on the nexus between foreign aid and agriculture has not assessed whether ODA for agriculture and rural development is relevant in increasing productivity in agriculture.…”

Managing sustainability in lower-tier suppliers: how to deal with the invisible zone

“…In that sense, it is important to mention that although some electronic equipment firms have already implemented initiatives at the smelter level, more initiatives at the electronics manufacturing industry level need to be taken so that more smelters guarantee the use of conflict-free minerals. In this line, Ndyetabula et al (2016) emphasize the important role of business associations’ value chains in preventing opportunistic behavior from chain partners. This emphasizes the implications for policy makers derived from this paper.…”

Algorithm applied: attracting MSEs to business associations

“…An association aims to serve its members by providing training and information; it also allows members to meet to exchange experiences or form alliances (Ndyetabula et al , 2016) adapting to the need of local potential entrepreneurs (Kebaili et al , 2015). Therefore, associations have the role of facilitators (Costa et al , 2017).…”