Value Chain Performance Research Articles

Evaluation of impact of lean management practices on dairy business performance

Purpose This research was initiated by motivation from a real business problem that delves into lean management practices in dairy farm operations. It investigates how lean management practices can be applied as an improvement strategy in the dairy business to evaluate its impact on performance, where profitability is a decisive factor. Design/methodology/approach Based on the qualitative design, a 5-phase action research methodology was used in this study, where multiple data collection sources were used, including focus group discussions, on-site observation or Gemba walks and process mapping. The impact is evaluated by comparing the key performance measures with the same period before and after research. Findings The research revealed that lean management practices can significantly improve dairy business performance. It explained vital aspects of lean management practices and their sequence with examples of first-hand applications. It explained, how lean management practices were applied in dairy farm operations. Furthermore, the research resulted in significant benefits, in terms of quality, cost and profitability. Practical implications This research was conducted in a real business setting in the field environment, to improve dairy business performance. It was a distinctive application of lean management practices to solve a national problem. This could be used as a road map to bring continuous improvement at the national level to improve the performance of food value chains. Originality/value This research is unique because it addresses the methodological, population and empirical gaps in dairy farm operations. It adds value to the existing knowledge base by sharing best practices, developed and implemented for the first time to the best of our knowledge, like high-level process mapping and performance measures at different levels. Furthermore, the solutions can be simulated in related farm operations to bring breakthrough improvements in dairy business performance.

Sustainable Halal Value Chain performance for MSMEs: the roles of digital technology, R&D, financing, and regulation as antecedents

Sustainable Halal Value Chain performance for MSMEs: the roles of digital technology, R&D, financing, and regulation as antecedents

Augmented reality technology in tourism and hospitality research: a review from 2010 to 2024

Purpose Augmented reality (AR) is revolutionizing the tourism and hospitality industry by offering immersive experiences as well as creating more engaging, informative and accessible travel experiences that attract tourists from around the globe. From virtual tours and immersive historical site recreations to navigation assistance and cultural education, AR technology is transforming the way we explore and interact with the destinations. This study aims to identify benefits, risks, tools and techniques of AR in the tourism and hospitality literature. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted a systematic literature review to answer six research questions. The authors also identified 33 primary studies, dated from January 2010 to February 2024 and coded them via a thematic analysis. Related studies were obtained through searching in Web of Science and Scopus. Findings The results identified nine themes for benefits, eight themes for risks/disadvantages and four tools and applications-related themes. Through the thematic analysis, the major benefits of AR in the tourism and hospitality were found to be differentiated travel experiences, improved performance of tourism value chain, more effective marketing efforts of tourism businesses, enhanced tourists’ engagement, enhanced performance of tourism destinations, stimulated behavioral intentions, tourist empowerment and providing more value, interactivity and integrity. Furthermore, eight risks were identified: physical, privacy and security, social, service failure, technical, psychological, managerial, information and knowledge gaps. The authors also recognized four tools and applications-related themes, namely, AR-enabled tools, AR applications, AR-enabled apps and AR-based techniques. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this review provides the first systematic exploration of the existing literature on usage of AR in the context of tourism and hospitality value chain.

ANALISIS RANTAI NILAI USAHA SAPI POTONG DENGAN POLA KEMITRAAN DI KALIMANTAN TENGAH

This research aims to identify the role of profit sharing partnerships in value chain management, analyze the role of profit sharing partnerships in improving the performance of the beef cattle value chain, analyze the cost structure in beef cattle profit sharing partnerships and calculate and analyze the market margin created in the beef cattle value chain with a profit sharing system. The research was conducted from June 2023 to December 2023. This research is a survey research that explores data on respondents selected using purposive random sampling from beef cattle breeders with a profit sharing system in Lamandau Regency, Central Kalimantan Province. The sub-district with the largest population of beef cattle was selected, and respondents were taken proportionally from each sub-district. Data was analyzed descriptively qualitatively and quantitatively. The research results show that the role of profit sharing is very important in reducing capital and market creation, the performance of the value chain created provides value in accordance with the role of each supply chain involved. A cost structure that can be efficient because of the short market chain created, each chain can access infrastructure well and profitably. Breeders obtain a fairly high farmershare of 55% and adequate market margins for each actor involved.

Social life cycle hotspot analysis of future hydrogen use in the EU

Abstract Purpose The widespread use of hydrogen in the EU aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions may involve complex value chains (e.g. importation from third countries) with potential effects (positive or negative) on the different sectors of society. Achieving sustainable hydrogen deployment must be motivated not only by environmental and economic aspects but also by social responsibility and the search for human well-being. Given this, and the scarcity of studies currently available on prospective social impacts of hydrogen production, the present purpose of this article is to unveil and assess the main social impacts linked to the future hydrogen value chains. Methods The methodological approach adopted in this article encompasses the following steps: (i) analysis of two potential value chains for hydrogen use in EU: an on-site option, where hydrogen is produced and used in the same European country, and an off-site option, where hydrogen is produced in a European country different from its usage involving more unit processes, in terms of storage and transport activities, and working time to deliver the same quantity of hydrogen. This framework will include (i) scenario analysis and a forward-looking perspective taking into account the critical raw materials employed across the entire value chain, (ii) identification of a list of relevant social impact categories and indicators through a systematic procedure, (iii) social hotspot analysis using Product Social Impact Life Cycle Assessment (PSILCA) to assess the selected representative value chains, and (iv) conducting scenario analysis and subsequently interpreting of results. Results and discussion The off-site value chain shows a relatively worse social performance (6 to 72 times) than the on-site value chain across most selected indicators due to the more complex value chain. Although the identification of social hotspots depends on the specific social indicator under evaluation, the power source components (wind and solar PV) manufacturing processes and the relatively increased complexity of the off-site option highly conditioned the social performance of the hydrogen value chains in most of the indicators considered. A scenario analysis was carried out comparing both value chains with two additional locations for hydrogen production: Northern Africa and Western Asia. The findings indicate that the on-site value chain presents the lowest impact scores. For the off-site option, the production of hydrogen in a European country is the most preferable scenario in terms of the social indicators evaluated. Conclusions According to findings, producing hydrogen in a different location than where it is consumed increases the social impacts of its deployment. Measures at mid and long term should be considered for improving the social impact of hydrogen deployment in Europe. This includes increasing reuse and recycling, responsibly sourcing raw materials, and creating regulatory frameworks ensuring safe working conditions across global value chains. Furthermore, this article highlights the crucial role of the S-LCA methodology in evaluating social aspects as a support for targeted policy interventions, and the need to adapt this to the specific case study. At the same time, it acknowledges that other relevant social aspects that can influence the social sustainability of the hydrogen technology are not captured with this methodology (in particular social acceptance, affordability and energy security). Improvements in selecting indicators and refined geographical and temporal representations of the value chains to better represent hydrogen technologies and future size market are research gaps filled in the present scientific work.

Constant Value Added Share Analysis: A Novel Trade Decomposition Technique with an Application to the Philippines

This article provides a novel approach to the traditional constant market share (CMS) analysis recognizing the importance of global production networks and fragmentation that necessitate using trade in value added (TiVA) rather than gross trade. We discuss how the components of a CMS analysis need to be (re)interpreted and apply our Constant Value Added Share (CVAS) analysis to the Philippines in the years 1995–2020 using the latest TiVA 2023 dataset (released in November 2023) and compare CMS to CVAS in order to facilitate understanding the contribution of the novel approach. The CVAS analysis finds that while Philippine and world Value Added grew at par, the country lost competitiveness. Traditional CMS suggests a smaller loss of competitiveness. Our approach also identifies specific sectoral weaknesses (i.e., computer and electronics exports) and emerging strengths (technology-related business services) that are unclear in CMS analysis. We argue that Constant Value Added Share analysis is useful for assessing the global value chain performance of other developing countries as well.

Analysis of perceived competitive forces influencing tree tomato value chains in Rwanda

The globalization of economies has added many new challenges to global agriculture. Agriculture not only needs to compete in foreign markets but also in domestic markets. The production and export of tree tomatoes remain extremely weak in Rwanda despite horticulture sector-specific economic policies in favour of the production and export of horticultural crops by the government of Rwanda. The goal of this study was to analyse the competitive performance of Rwanda's tree tomato value chain to shape the tree tomato industry in Rwanda for the benefit of smallholder farmers and the Rwandan Economy. One hundred twenty (120) respondents were surveyed for this study using a semi-structured questionnaire and focus group discussions. Participants were stratified into groups as traders (80), institutional consumers (12), and household consumers (28) all from Bugesera, Nyabihu, Rubavu districts and Kigali markets (Nyabugogo, Nyarugenge and Kimironko). Key enablers (International Centre for Research in Agroforestry, Rwanda Agricultural Board, National Agricultural Export Board, and Ministry of Commerce and Financial institutions) provided useful information related to the tree tomato value chain in Rwanda. The findings of this study show that factors that hamper the tree tomato value chain competitiveness in Rwanda are related to bargaining power. Overall 63% of respondents who were tree tomato suppliers and 58.43% of respondents who were tree tomato buyers agreed that the bargaining power of suppliers and buyers hamper the competitiveness of the value chain. The study found that 70% of traders and 57% of consumers and institutional consumers preferred the tree tomato. Therefore, tree tomato is highly linked to consumers, traders, and institutions than banana which is the 38th fruit highly scored. The severity of the threat to the tree tomato industry is new entrants into the tree tomato industry, the intensity of rivalry in existing key competitors, and the severity of the threat of substitutes. The strategies proposed to improve on the competitiveness of the tree tomato industry comprise of improving collaboration of tree tomato chain actors. This study found that 75.69% of the sampled key actors agree that the highest criteria to be considered are the product quality, and 64.74% of the sampled key actors settled on product quality as the least criteria. Key words: tree tomato, smallholder farmers, consumers, traders, competitiveness, value chain, Rwanda

Implementation of Value Chain and Cooperative Performance: A Case of Twongere Umusaruro Wa Kawa Cooperative Kayonza District, Rwanda

Purpose: In this study, the Twongere umusaruro wa kawa cooperative's value chain implementation and cooperative performance were analyzed. The general purpose of the research study was to evaluate the relationship between the value chain implementation on cooperative performance in the Twongere umusaruro wa kawa cooperative. The study based on value chain and human capital theories. Methodology: The study used a descriptive cross-sectional survey to learn about value chain operations, investigate value chain marketing activities, learn about value chain service, and discover the extent to which these activities affect cooperative performance in Rwanda's Kayonza District. The total population consisted of 170 value chain actors, all of whom were farmers and members of the cooperative. A sample of 119 surveys based on the Slovenian formula used. In this study, the proportional random sampling was used as the sampling method. A questionnaire based on moderately structured interviews used to collect the primary data. The results of the survey were compiled, codified, tabulated, and analyzed. Made a change to improve data accuracy for encoding. The encoded data then entered in Statistical package for Social Sciences version 25. The statistically apparent relationship between factors and cooperative performance was examined with the Qui Square independence test. . Findings: Based on the study results, it was found a meaningful relationship between gender and cooperative performance, service and cooperative performance because p-values associated with gender and service, respectively, were p=0.03 and p=0.00 and did not exceed the 5% significance level. The findings also exposed no significant relation between operations and cooperative performance and marketing and cooperative performance. The findings indicated that the level of significance was above 5% for the operations and marketing-related p=0.462 and p=0.122, respectively. According to the study, value chain operators in cooperatives should pay closer attention to service and gender because of their strong associations with cooperative performance. Value chain developers in operations and marketing should be committed to overcoming any obstacles that hinder the cooperative's performance and should collaborate closely with members and partners to strengthen operations and marketing efforts for the cooperative's sustainability. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Further studies should conduct a thorough analysis in this area by taking into account many independent factors in different districts of the country or the region to clearly show how value chain activities affect cooperative performance and to examine the impact of such changes, research should also invest in collecting data from several cooperatives and various cooperative types.

Listen to the other side: impact of supply chain integration practices on value chain performance of pineapple firms in Ghana

Improving the value chain of firms is major source of competitive advantage. Traditionally, firms use their knowledge of customer preferences to propose value to products. Often, these products do not meet customer expectations. While customers are part of a firm's value chain, other actors could provide solutions to existing product issues or launch a new product. Hence, narrowing down on the role of multiple actors can help managerial interventions improve value chain performance. This study explored the impact of supply chain integration practices (internal integration, supplier integration, consumer integration) on value chain performance with the boundary condition of information sharing. A sample of 271 actors in the value chain from pineapple firms in Ghana was used to test hypotheses. As predicted, supply chain integration practices related positively to value chain performance but the effect size differs. These positive relations are amplified by information sharing. The results imply that firms can reconceive products and markets with actors linked to productivity in the value chain. This study is among the earliest to investigate how supply chain integration practices improve value addition to products in the context of pineapple production, processing and consumption.

Rapid transformation in aquatic food value chains in three Nigerian states

IntroductionNigeria is Africa’s most populous country, third largest fish producer, and second largest aquaculture producer. There have been numerous studies of aquaculture and fisheries in Nigeria, but no study to date has analyzed aquaculture and capture fisheries value chains together, while giving equal weight to all value chain segments and systematically capturing information on temporal trends in value chain structure, conduct, and performance. This paper does so.MethodsWe conducted a structured, qualitative, rapid reconnaissance survey of 180 actors from eight segments of the aquatic food value chain in three Nigerian states with contrasting geographies, Ebonyi, Kebbi, and Oyo.ResultsResults particularly important for future research and policy are as follows. (1) Partial vertical integration is a common feature of the organization of firms in all value chain segments, as a risk reduction strategy to overcome market imperfections and frictions. Scarcity and high cost of imported intermediate inputs is stimulating local innovation and import substitution manufacturing of feeds and fabricated items. (2) Inter-sectoral spillovers from the poultry industry have hastened the development of fish value chains, while improvements in power supply have enabled the expansion of cold storage capacity, facilitating the geographical lengthening of frozen fish value chains. (3) Rapid technological and/or institutional change is occurring in all value chain segments, including those usually viewed as traditional, such as processing and fishing. Logistics services are becoming more specialized and sophisticated, and digital communications technologies including social media play an increasingly important role in value chain coordination and marketing. (4) Increasing opportunity costs of time drive demand for convenience foods such as smoked and fried fish, which require little further preparation and can be stored at room temperature. Demand for farmed catfish is linked to growing consumption of food away from home at bars and restaurants. (5) Significant opportunities exist to improve the performance of value chains in terms of gender equity, environmental impacts, and food safety.

Value Chain and ESG Performance as Determinants of Sustainable Lending in Commercial Bank: A Systematic Literature Review

Currently, the topic of sustainability is increasingly discussed, including in lending activities in commercial banks about environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects. The positive influence of economic aspects on sustainability is generally accepted, but the influence of ESG aspects on sustainability still has no consensus. These opinions address ESG-oriented credit products and lending activities. This paper has two aims related to research questions. The first aim is to identify the factors that play a role in sustainable lending in commercial banks through the value chain concept; the second aim is to elucidate the relationship between factors that play a role in sustainable lending. To achieve this goal, a systematic literature review (SLR) of 1,073 articles from various scientific journals was conducted. There are 18 articles relevant to the banking industry related to credit (bank lending) that are selected and become references for knowing the determinant factors in sustainable lending. Based on the systematic review, there are 8 value chain articles, 9 ESG performance articles, and 1 economic performance article related to sustainable lending. A total of 15 articles show the potential and positive influence of sustainability, consisting of 7 value chain articles regarding the potential to encourage sustainability and 8 ESG performance articles regarding a positive relationship with sustainability. The review revealed that a value chain and ESG performance are the two dominant factors in sustainable lending. The review also found the influence of ESG aspects on sustainability; some argue that there is a positive influence or the opposite, and some argue that they do not see the influence. This review has not been able to explain the causal relationship between these two factors and sustainable lending, so further research is also required.

Will Artificial Intelligence be a Performance Booster to Agritech Start-Up?: Empirical Evidence from Emerging Economy

Indian agriculture is in the period of transition from traditional to modern agriculture. The role of various technologies in solving contemporary global issues is inevitable in any business sector, likewise in agriculture. This research work attempts to understand the impact of one such technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the agricultural value chain. Quantitative research methodology is followed in this research work and data is obtained from the agri companies that use AI for their operations and decision-making. A conceptual model is also developed for this purpose. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) methodology is adopted to understand the relationship between barriers, benefits, and the future of AI and the performance of the agri value chain. Hypotheses are developed for this purpose and tested based on the data collected from agritech companies. The result obtained proves that the benefits of AI and the future of AI have a positive impact on the value chain performance which in turn have a positive influence on organizational performance. However, it is found that barriers to AI adoption do not have much influence on adopting it and on the value chain performance of agritech companies. One of the major contributions of this research work is that it would be useful to the practitioners/Government in framing policies on implementing technologies in the agricultural sector.

An Evaluation of Performance of Indigenous Chicken and Irish Potato Value Chains by Smallholder Farmers under Kopia Project in Meru County, Kenya

Adequate, nutritious and safe food is a basic human need. A bilateral project on food security was implemented in Meru County with support from the Republic of South Korea and the County government of Meru between January 2020 and December 2022. The ordinary two-year handover period is ending in December 2024. Its objective was to improve the performance of indigenous chicken and Irish potato value chains among smallholder producers. Despite the existence of high demand for both Indigenous chicken and Irish potatoes, market supply remains low. A stratified sampling method was used to identify 4 Indigenous chickens, Ng’onyi, Mbaria, Ntalami, and Kangeta, and 2 Irish potatoes, Katheri and Murungurune villages, to serve as models. Two hundred practising farmers were selected from each village. All the farmers identified inadequate knowledge, poor genetic materials (Indigenous chicken and Irish potato), high disease incidences, and poorly developed market structures as the main challenges they faced. A training hall was constructed in each of the six model villages and equipped with a computer, a printer, and a monitor. Each chicken-keeping village had a hatchery unit, and those growing potatoes had a potato storage unit constructed and equipped. Egg incubators and Hatchers were provided to the Indigenous chicken-keeping villages. A motorcycle to assist lead-farmer movement was provided to each model village. A curriculum with 22 areas and another one with 20 units were developed to train the Indigenous chicken keepers and Irish potato farmers, respectively. Each curriculum included both technical and non-technical aspects. A total of 73, 837 day old Improved Indigenous chicks were equitably supplied to all the four model villages, with 41600 day old chicks procured from Kenya agriculture, livestock research organization (KALRO) and 32237 locally hatched. A total of 51 tonnes of assorted clean-seed potatoes were procured and supplied to the farmers. The total annual revenue from eggs (tray) rose from Ksh15583.3 before intervention to Ksh133588.7 after intervention. The quantity of eggs sold in trays increased from 54.4 to 193.7, while those sold in pieces increased from 482 to 969. The number of hens sold increased from 17 to 29, and that of cocks sold doubled from 15 to 30. However, all the variable cost components increased during the intervention period. Broilers Mash witnessed the biggest increase in cost by 217.6% from Ksh 1358.9 before intervention to Ksh 2956.5. Despite a rise in the total variable cost by 213%, the average annual gross margin rose from Ksh.7092 to Ksh 91523. The Irish potato farmers had an increase of 192 % in weight (Kg/acre) of total tubers, with production rising from 8711 to 16711 Kg. The potato farmers had a 75.4% increase in household incomes, and their gross margins increased by 76.9 %. The potato farm gate prices increased by 28.57%. After interventions, the potato farmer's gross margin recorded an increase from Ksh. 9 566.5 to 16927.4, translating to a 77% increase. The average total seasonal production increased from 1,394.5 Kg to 2,120.5 Kg. The revenue received from potatoes per season increased from Ksh.46855.2. to Ksh.91605.6 per season. The increase in revenue was a result of the increase in the quantity produced and the price per kg. From the results above, it can be concluded that the implementation of the Indigenous chicken and Irish potato value chains project helped to improve production and household incomes. It is recommended that policy-makers adopt this model village approach in all the agricultural-based value chains.

Life Cycle Assessment of Dried Organic Apple Value Chains Considering Conventional and Heat-Pump-Assisted Drying Processes: The Case of Sweden

The increasing population pressure and demand for quality food, and the significant burden of agriculture on the environment, impede the sustainable development of the food sector. Understanding the environmental performance of different agricultural technologies and food value chains and identifying improvement opportunities play important roles in the sustainable development of this sector. This article presents the results of an environmental impact assessment of organic dried apples produced and supplied in Sweden, which was conducted using primary and literature-based data. A “cradle-to-consumer gate” life cycle analysis (LCA) method with a functional unit (FU) of 1 ton of fresh organic apples at the farm stage was used while considering conventional drying and heat-pump (HP)-assisted apple-drying techniques. The main environmental impact categories investigated were cumulative energy demand (CED), climate change impact (GWP), acidification potential (AP), and eutrophication potential (EP). The results indicate that the total CED values were 7.29 GJ and 5.12 GJ per FU for the conventional drying and HP-assisted drying methods, respectively, i.e., a reduction of about 30%. Similarly, the GWP values were 130 kg CO2 eq and 120 kg CO2 eq per FU, respectively. These findings highlight the importance of improving energy use and process efficiency to increase the sustainability of dried organic apple value chains.

Identifying opportunities and challenges of horticulture production: A case study of Tuong-Mango value chain in the southern Vietnam

This study’s primary objective is to determine the financial repercussions, including expenses, profits, and losses, that certain stakeholders in the Tuong-mango value chain face at various distribution stages. This was achieved through the utilisation of stakeholders cost-benefit value chain analysis. These individuals collectively contributed 849 sample observations to the dataset including 732 farmers, 10 cooperative, 32 collectors, 25 wholesalers, 30 retailers, 12 exporters and processors, and 08 grocery stores/fruit. The robust financial performance of the Tuong-mango value chain is attributable to its integrated economic efficiency, as evidenced by its over USD 1 billion in revenue and USD 98.2 million in net income. The marketing channels, specifically channels 1, 2, and 3, generate a total of USD 906.1 million in revenue, yielding a net profit of USD 81.9 million. The combined sales from domestic marketing channels 4 and 5 total USD 160 million, yielding a net profit of USD 16.2 million. The findings indicate that due to their limited scope and suboptimal grade 1, farmers are the most vulnerable link in the supply chain. This study proposes three strategies for augmenting quality, fostering technological advancement, and facilitating the spread of benefits. This study’s findings contribute to the existing literature on value chain analysis as it pertains to various tropical fruits and vegetables. The study provides empirical evidence supporting the utility of the value chain method in policy formulation.

Consumer Value Preferences: A Case of Dates in Pakistan

This research endeavors to enhance our comprehension of the contemporary value chain associated with dates in the domestic market, while concurrently adapting to the fluctuating dynamics of the marketplace. A paramount emphasis is placed on orchestrating an optimal performance of the dates value chain by integrating all actors involved, focusing on aligning strategies with consumer value preferences. Five distinct focus discussions were conducted across varying socio-economic strata in Karachi to achieve this. Thematic content analysis, a rigorous qualitative research method, was employed to extract meaningful insights from the discussions. Findings showed that dates were a multi-value popular fruit consumed in a variety of forms but the fresh form is mostly utilized form. Consumers ascribed value to its strong religious affiliation, socio-cultural significance, taste, energy, health benefits, functional food, packaging and availability. The main attributes consumers considered in buying dates were clean dates, flavor/taste, packaging, origin, freshness, price, size, brand, and freedom from damage. Consumers expressed concerns about high dates fluctuating prices, trust for safe dates retailer practices, inefficient government regulations, poor marketing systems, and lack of awareness. These findings highlighted that businesses in date value chains did not pay adequate attention to consumer requirements nor had their concerns been responded to. To face competitive value chain potential, consumers highlighted lack of value addition, ineffective labelling, strong local brand sustainable presence to gain consumer confidence. To face market competition there is strong scope of branding, packaging and value addition which consumers are adapting at fast pace have also been reported. Consequently, it will affect the profitability of value chain participants as consumers are evolving with experience and higher living standards. The study also suggested that the government should ensure that consumer concerns such as those relating to food safety are adequately addressed by relevant institutions and organizations. This research not only sheds light on the intricacies of the current market dynamics but also provides strategic insights for stakeholders to optimize the value chain in a manner that resonates with the preferences of consumers across different socio-economic strata in Karachi.

The Performance Enhancement Model for Coconut Processed Products Cooperatives through the Value Chain and Livelihood Assets Approach in North Maluku Province, Indonesia

Objective: This research aims to formulate a model of value chain and livelihood assets in an effort to enhance the performance of cooperatives focusing on processed coconut products in the North Maluku Province. Coconut (Cocos nucifera) is a fruit plant with a crucial role on a global scale, providing a food source for millions of people, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Due to the numerous benefitsit yields, the coconut is often referred to as the "tree of life" or the "rescuer tree Method: A total of 206 samples were used in this study, and the analysis was conducted using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) method. The determination of the research location is purposive, primarily in the largest coconut-producing areas in North Maluku. The selection of the research location is based on the consideration that this region is one of the largest coconut producers in Indonesia and has the presence of cooperatives in the coconut plantation sector. North Maluku Province produces coconut products in several regencies, including North Halmahera Regency, South Halmahera Regency, West Halmahera Regency, Central Halmahera Regency, Morotai Island Regency, Sula Regency, Taliabu Regency, and North Maluku Regency. Results: The research results indicate that primary activities, social capital, physical capital, entrepreneurship, and political capital have a positive and significant influence on the value chain and livelihood assets. On the other hand, support activities, human capital, natural capital, and financial capital do not have a significant impact on either the value chain or livelihood assets. The value chain and livelihood assets significantly contribute to the performance of the cooperative. Conclusions: factors such as support activities, human capital, natural capital, and financial capital do not have a significant influence on the value chain or livelihood assets. These results can serve as a foundation for policymakers and stakeholders to develop more effective strategies and programs to enhance the value chain, livelihood assets, and cooperative performance in the North Maluku Province.

Exploring the Current Challenges of Cold Chain Logistics Stakeholders in the Tomatoes Value Chain in Nigeria

The global substantial losses of fresh tomato products, especially in Nigeria with a reported 50% annual loss, necessitates the need for effective cold chain logistics operations. This is crucial for the safe storage and transportation of perishable fresh tomatoes. However, in Nigeria, cold chain logistics operations encounter challenges impeding their efficiency, reliability, and market growth. This exploratory study aligns with sustainable development goals narrowing on the following objectives: to identify the current operations of Nigerian tomato value chains and secondly, to explore the current challenges faced by cold chain logistics stakeholders in the tomato value chain in Nigeria. Through purposive sampling, focus group discussions, semi-structured interviews, and reflexive thematic analysis, the study reveals themes that reflect the current challenges in the tomato value chain as thus; theme 1; supply chain risk, theme 2; production and farming challenges, theme 3; stakeholder’s poor collaborations and visibility challenge, theme 4; government and policy challenges, theme 5; financial challenge and theme 6; socio-cultural challenges. These findings will guide policymakers and stakeholders in making decisions toward improving the performance and sustainability of the tomato value chain. Future research could focus on addressing challenges stakeholders in other fruit and vegetable value chains.

Determinants of Performance of Innovative Integration Summer Flower Value Chain among Medium and Small-Scale Farmers Kenya.

The floriculture industry has undergone significant changes due to evolving global consumption patterns. While previous studies have primarily focused on large-scale production, there is a growing need to understand the potential of small-scale flower production. This study aimed to address this gap by examining the drivers of summer flower production among small-scale flower producers. The research was guided by theories such as global value/supply chain theory, strategic management theory, institutional theory, and transaction cost theory. A mixed-method approach was employed to collect data from 217 medium and small-scale summer flower growers in Kenya. The study findings indicate that the agribusiness value chain has a positive impact on the performance of summer flower farmers. Additionally, partnerships play a crucial role in ensuring just-in-time delivery to direct market

Institutional actors and their impact on postharvest coffee value chain performance in Ethiopia

Institutional actors and their impact on postharvest coffee value chain performance in Ethiopia