Examining the resilience of food supply chains subject to natural disasters : A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Lincoln University

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to explore the resilience of food supply chains, in response to frequent natural disasters. Building resilient supply chains has recently gained significant attention as a topic, as supply chains have increasingly faced disruptions from natural disasters. Most of the work on supply chain resilience has been theoretical, and many researchers have noted the need for more empirical work on the topic. However, there are still very few empirical studies on the subject and those that are available focus primarily on developed countries. Yet, literature also highlights the increased frequency and impact of natural disasters in developing countries. Furthermore, developing countries constitute a large proportion of world’s population and food supply chains are of high importance to fulfill the dietary requirements of people. Food is also a key relief item for humanitarian organizations. While the existing literature provides several strategies and capabilities for improving supply chain resilience, the relationship between these is uncertain. In addition, the underlying activities of each area have yet to be fully explored. This research presents the findings of research from four different food supply chains, in two different regions, of a developing country. The central aim was to determine the underlying activities of the four most discussed supply chain management areas in the disaster management/relief supply chain discipline (collaboration, knowledge management, logistics, and sourcing) and their relationship with the supply chain resilience components of agility, adaptability and alignment. This research utilizes inductive case study methodology, based on data gathered from a variety of sources. This research has found that the key underlying activities, present in the collaboration among supply chain partners, are the main contributors of supply chain resilience. These activities are also important for knowledge management (KM), logistics and sourcing to work effectively in supply chains. This research has revealed that collaboration, at both vertical and horizontal levels, is critical. At a vertical level, it occurs among supply chain partners such as retailers, wholesalers, processors and growers, while at the horizontal level it takes place with competitors, governments and relief providers. Closely related to collaboration, this research has found that food supply chains should be engaged in active knowledge management in order to survive natural disasters and to become more resilient. Similarly, this research confirms that speed, flexibility and alignment of interest among different supply chain members are the most crucial element of logistics that are required to effectively deal with natural disasters and that these factors contribute to supply chain resilience. This research also concludes that effective sourcing is critical for supply chain resilience. Sourcing activities such as rationalizing supplier base, through backup suppliers, sourcing from logistically efficient places, and widening and enhancing the supplier base, enable agility, adaptability and alignment, thus increasing resilience. This research highlights the importance of network structure and social capital as being the facilitating factors for all of the activities present in these four key areas. This research confirms that network structure with large wholesale markets that appear as hubs, facilitate collaboration, knowledge management, logistics functions and sourcing decisions. Closely related to social network, this research confirms that social capital has a positive influence on different activities present in supply chains. Having strong bonds, with high levels of trust and shared values, can further help supply chain members to cope and adapt to the situation. Lastly, this research tells that the activities that contribute towards overall supply chain resilience are inherently present in these supply chains. However, to increase/enhance the resilience against disasters, the actors present in these networks should take measures to increase proactive resilience.