Barriers to Sustainable Procurement in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The research sought to investigate the factors affecting the adoption of sustainable procurement in Zimbabwe. The researchers used questionnaires and interviews on 300 procurement and administration staff to collect data. The study found out that sustainable procurement practices were not being practiced. Purchase orders were being awarded based on the lowest bid and other considerations such as the social and environmental factors were not included in purchasing decisions. The study found that lack of management support was a limiting factor in the adoption of sustainable procurement. In availability of sustainable products, lack of knowledge about the concept and the perception that sustainable products are expensive also contributed to the challenges affecting the adoption of sustainable procurement. The study recommends that employees should be trained and educated on sustainability practices. Emphasis should be made on the benefits of sustainability and the risks of non-sustainability. Further more incentives should be given to suppliers to encourage them to develop sustainable products. A sustainable procurement policy should also be put in place.