Original Research

Smallholder farmers’ perceptions of factors that constrain the competitiveness of a formal organic crop supply chain in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

MAG Darroch, T Mushayanyama
South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences | Vol 9, No 4 | a1049 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajems.v9i4.1049 | © 2014 MAG Darroch, T Mushayanyama | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 21 May 2014 | Published: 22 May 2014

About the author(s)

MAG Darroch, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
T Mushayanyama, University of KwaZulu-Natal

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Abstract

The 48 organic-certified members of the Ezemvelo Farmers’ Organisation in KwaZulu-Natal were surveyed during October-November 2004 to assess what factors they perceive constrain the competitiveness of a formal supply chain that markets their amadumbe, potatoes and sweet potatoes. They identified uncertain climate, tractor not available when needed, delays in payments for crops sent to the pack-house, lack of cash and credit to finance inputs, and more work than the family can handle as the current top five constraints. Principal Component Analysis further identified three valid institutional dimensions of perceived constraints  and two valid farm-level dimensions. Potential solutions to better manage these constraints are discussed, including the need for the farmers to renegotiate the terms of their incomplete business contract with the pack-house agent.    

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Crossref Citations

1. Analytical Review of African Agribusiness Competitiveness
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Africa Journal of Management  vol: 3  issue: 2  first page: 145  year: 2017  
doi: 10.1080/23322373.2017.1319721