Analysis of Rural and Urban Supply Chains in the European School Fruit Scheme Using Qualitative Interviews and Network Analysis of Content

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis study analyzes the determinants of the positive and negative effects experienced by suppliers in the context of programs involving the joint participation of the state, society, and local economy. The European Union’s School Fruit Scheme (SFS) forms the basis of this study. Particular attention is paid to the origin of the suppliers; that is, whether they are based in rural or urban areas. We interviewed 28 suppliers participating in the SFS in the German Federal State of North Rhine Westphalia. Visual text analytics using network analysis of content was applied using classic forms of qualitative coding and a weighted c-index. Our findings reveal that the negative effects of the scheme are greater in rural areas. Therefore, changes in the framework may be necessary to strengthen rural areas. Further, the social relations are often more pronounced in rural areas compared to those in urban areas.