Vegetable Supply Chain Performance in Tigray

Abstract

By investigating the extent and impact of farmers' involvement in supply chain management (SCM) activities on the performance of the vegetable supply chain in Enderta Wereda, Tigray Region, Ethiopia, this research aimed to close a major gap. The involvement of vegetable farmers in supply chain management (SCM) and its impact on supply chain performance in Enderta Wereda were investigated in this study using a mixed-methods research approach. 134 farmers were given standardized questionnaires to complete in order to get quantitative data on their level of involvement in contract farming, storage, transportation, and market access. In addition to this, qualitative information on farmers' experiences, difficulties, and opinions of SCM methods was obtained via in-depth interviews and field observations. Utilizing this methodological technique, the researcher was able to triangulate data, ensuring that conclusions were backed by both statistical evidence and participant contextual insights. This resulted in a thorough knowledge of the elements driving SCM adoption and performance. Our primary conclusion demonstrates that while modern supply chain management (SCM) techniques, such as improved market connections and storage, have the potential to raise farmer income and product quality, the efficiency of the supply chain is seriously hampered by underlying problems. The research discovered that a number of significant obstacles, such as insufficient infrastructure, a lack of formal market contracts, restricted cold storage, and poor transportation access, hinder farmers' participation in supply chain management (SCM). Cooperative membership has been shown to increase market access and profitability; yet, there are notable differences for farmers who do not belong to these organizations. In light of these findings, the research offers workable solutions to these issues. In view of these findings, the research offers workable answers to these issues. an increasing institutional coordination between government agencies, cooperatives, and development partners to guarantee inclusive and sustainable improvements in vegetable supply chains; providing farmers with practical, hands-on training programs to enhance their SCM knowledge and skills; and prioritizing investments in rural roads, cold storage facilities, and aggregation centers to strengthen infrastructure are all significant recommendations. These programs aim to increase income, lower post-harvest losses, and encourage more participation in efficient supply chain processes.