Smallholders and agribusiness supply chains: Participation and implications

Abstract

Purpose: Linking smallholder farmers to markets is an important issue under discussion in academia and economies. This paper draws the attention to smallholder farmer participation in fresh produce supply chains in developing countries. This paper aims to discuss the literature concerning the impediments and opportunities for smallholder participation in agribusiness supply chains within developing countries. It will then develop a conceptual model and propose a set of research propositions. Design/ method: The existing literature is reviewed by using library search, reviewing journal articles, books, conference proceedings and academic databases to identify the smallholder’s position in agribusiness supply chains. The hypothetic-deductive method is proposed for further research on this topic. Findings: The opportunity for smallholders to raise their incomes increasingly depends on their ability to participate and compete in the various market structures. Previous studies predominantly emphasize exploring the transformation of food systems in developing countries 400 and the impact of organised chains on farmer’s income and poverty reduction. This paper reviews the literature to formulate a framework to quantify enablers and barriers for smallholder farmer participation in agribusiness supply chains. Contribution: By using transaction cost and collective action theories, this paper provides a framework and research propositions for further research on the topic.