Value Chain Actors Research Articles

Analisis Rantai Nilai Komoditas Cabai Rawit di Kecamatan Bulawa Kabupaten Bone Bolango

This study aims to analyze the value chain of cayenne pepper in Bulawa District and analyze the added value of marketing among value chain actors in Bulawa District, Bone Bolango Regency. The research method used to determine the sample of farmers is using the purposive sampling method while for the sample of traders using the snowball sampling method. . Respondents in this study were cayenne pepper farmers from selected villages in Bulawa District, namely 18 farmers in Mamungaa Village and 20 farmers in East Mamungaa Village. As for the respondents, there are 8 traders consisting of 1 wholesaler, 2 collectors, and 5 retailers. The data that has been collected is then analyzed using value chain analysis based on Porter's theory and value added marketing analysis. The results show that there are 6 stages of the value chain, starting from purchasing inputs for production facilities, cultivation, harvesting, processing and distribution to consumers. At the cayenne pepper value chain stage in Bulawa District, 4 main actors are involved, namely farmers, wholesalers, collectors and retailers. The value chain of cayenne pepper in Bulawa District is divided into two activities, namely main activities and supporting activities. In the main activity, farmers and traders have a good cooperative relationship and are not dependent even though they are not well organized in terms of price and also cayenne pepper production. In supporting activities, each chain actor has not developed and innovated technology to support the business. The cayenne pepper value chain flow is efficient, but the activities carried out are still simple. The marketing value added and the largest value added ratio are obtained by central market retailers because central market retailers take a larger marketing margin than other traders by minimizing the marketing costs incurred.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices on camel respiratory diseases and conditions in Garissa and Isiolo, Kenya.

Livestock farmers' attitudes, practices, and behaviors are major factors in infection prevention and control of animal diseases. Kenya has the fourth largest global camel population, and the industry has grown over the last two decades, transforming beyond the traditional camel-keeping areas to include peri-urban camel trade and value chain growth. The dromedary camel is resilient, and it is a preferred species in the arid and semi-arid areas (ASALs) of Kenya. However, it still faces many health and production challenges; to identify infection drivers and risky behaviors for camel respiratory illnesses and conditions in Kenya, we conducted a knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) survey. Using a set of tools (questionnaires, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions), we interviewed camel owners, herders, agro-veterinary outlets, and other relevant value chain stakeholders in Garissa and Isiolo counties (n = 85). Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytic statistics. Most camel owners/herders are male and most are relatively uneducated (85.5%). The camels were used primarily for milk and meat production, income generation, and transport. Larger herd sizes (>30 camels) and owner/herder's lack of formal education are risk factors for owner-reported respiratory illnesses in camels. Major clinical signs of respiratory conditions were coughing (85.7%), nasal discharge (59.7%), and fever (23.4%). Diseases, lack of feeds, theft, and marketing challenges are the major constraints to camel production in Kenya. Owners-herders use drugs indiscriminately and this may contribute to antimicrobial resistance challenges. Practitioners in the camel value chain want more commitment from the government and animal health officials on support services and access to veterinary services. Watering points, grazing areas, and marketing points are the primary areas for congregating camels and have a significant potential for disease spread. Kenya camels have a massive capacity for rural and ASALs' livelihoods transformation but the identified health challenges, and other issues must be addressed. Further studies on the Kenyan camels' respiratory microbial ecology are important to understand microbial risks and reduce the burden of zoonotic infections. Intensification of risk communication and community engagement, and messaging targeted at behavior change interventions should be directed at camel value chain actors.

The enabling and constraining connections between trust and digitalisation in incumbent value chains

Digitalisation is a disruptive socio-technical process that goes beyond digital technologies and their use within an organisation, and involves besides (in many cases radical) technological change, social, institutional and economic change. This creates uncertainties for value chain actors and the trust relationships between them. In this paper we aim to understand the connections between trust and digitalisation. We investigate how trust relations affect digitalisation, and how digitalisation affects trust relations among value chain actors, using the Dutch flower sector as a case study. Our findings show that the sector has a high level of interpersonal trust, but limited institutional trust, as the relationships between companies are highly competitive and transactional. In this context, limited trust hinders digitalisation in multiple and mutually reinforcing ways, inducing a vicious cycle whereby existing distrust or limited trust results in limited digitalisation, which in turn causes more distrust due to uncertainties around the digitalisation process, further increased by existing (technological) path dependencies. Hence there is a need for 1) awareness of mutually reinforcing (dis)trust dynamics and vicious (or virtuous) cycles in relation to digitalisation are needed; 2) higher levels of understanding of what digitalisation entails and 3) joint strategy building and foresighting in the value chain.

Determinants of Highland Bamboo (Yushania alpine) Culm Market Supply in Semen Ari District, South Omo Zone of Southern Ethiopia

Bamboo is among the most significant nontimber forest products that can potentially support Ethiopia’s economic development and environmental protection. However, its potential is constrained by limited understanding of its importance and market development. Thus, this study was conducted to fill the knowledge gap by identifying factors affecting highland bamboo culm market supply in Semen Ari district of the South Omo zone. Multistage sampling technique was employed to draw 183 bamboo producer households from three randomly selected highland bamboo producing sites. Household surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews were used to collect data. The data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression model. The result indicated that market information, extension service, land allocated for bamboo production, the experience of households in selling bamboo products, market distance, family size, sex of the respondent, and age of household head were variable that significantly affected the supply of bamboo culm to the market. Hence, enhancing the production and productivity of bamboo products through extension, regular training for farmers concerning the processing of bamboo products, improving the relationships of value chain actors, and improving infrastructure could increase producers’ revenue as well as the marketed supply of highland bamboo culms.

Perception of Stakeholders for Meat Qualities among Value Chain Actors in Ethiopia.

Perception is the knowledge of an individual/group gained from experience and impressions of the ideal situation. Ethiopian livestock marketing has a different stage and large actors. However, in the flow chain, there is less communication. Because they only perceive for their benefit rather than care for a quality product. This happened because the production mapping was not understood among them. The majority of producers fetch too old animals after being culled from production and those that might be abnormal due to disease and chronic stress. Traders transport mixed animals through nondedicated vehicles and long trekking without feeding and watering. Abattoir men worked with poor facilities. They perceived that the time stay animals in Lairage, breeding, bleeding, and carcass handling is the major problem in meat quality in Ethiopia. The slaughtering has been conducted in brutal ways of stunning using either a hammer or knife at the atlanto-occipital space of the animal on the floor side by side. The majority of butchers in Ethiopia are located on the main road for their products to be easily displayed to clients, and they hang meat on the open shelf without packing, which exposes the product to aerobic spoilage by bacteria and yeasts. Traders/brokers are promoting the product based on the commission they earn rather than the quality and health of the animals. However, as a principle, each actor has a responsibility to manage risk as they benefit socially and economically from firms. Government entities should play an important role in shaping actors' perceptions and understanding of biosecurity measures. Mainly, the interventions should focus on improving business models and technological adoption. This model is used for improving vertical relationships among operational actors, horizontal relationships with logistics providers, and market promotion measures to attract foreign direct investors and importers, transforming traditional practices of animal husbandry into commercial ones. Because a key activity for each value chain actor is availing of the final product safely at the right place and time. The review was designed to convey information to enhance the linkage between meat value chain actors and optimize management skills in Ethiopia.

Value chain analysis of Mung Bean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek thrive) in Kalu Woreda, Ethiopia

BackgroundMung bean is an important pulse legume multipurpose crop that has significant health and economic benefits. It plays an important role in climate resilience and increasing food security. We conducted the study in Kalu Woreda Eastern Amhara, Ethiopia, where the crop is highly adopted. The study aimed to analyse and evaluate the local value chain of the crop. Though Mung bean is a market oriented crop and playing an important role in food and nutrition security; there is a lack of clear evidence that shows how the local value chain of the crop is performing. Therefore, empirical evidence on the Mung bean value chain is required to design interventions to enhance the value chain actors’ performance.MethodsA mixed approach was used to collect and analyse the data and to have a complete picture of the research. We collected data from producers, collectors, wholesalers, retailers, and exporters through household survey, focus group discussion and key informant interviews. Descriptive statistics and econometric model were used to analyse the quantitative data. We analysed qualitative data using narration, summarization, and theme formation.Results and conclusionThe average allocated land for Mung bean per household was 0.32 ha with a standard deviation of 0.15 ha. Mung bean value chain actors include input suppliers, producers, collectors, retailers, wholesalers, exporter and consumers. The highest percentage of the profit share goes to exporters (25.04%), followed by wholesalers (21.61%). Traditional farming practices, small landholding, poor access to agricultural inputs, pests and disease, poor infrastructure, and price fluctuations were the major Mung bean production and marketing challenges. Sex 0.166 (P = 0.008), the volume of Mung bean produced 0.26 (0.0001), farming experience 0.028 (0.048), frequency of extension contact 0.01 (0.072) and land allocated for Mung bean 3.411 (0.0001) were significantly determining the amount of Mung bean supplied to the market. Supporting farmers with agricultural inputs and delivering training on post-harvest issue, experience sharing among producers, and linking producers to cooperatives looks important to develop Mung bean local value chain. Strengthening multi-stakeholder linkages among Mung bean value chain actors through field days and workshops is also imperative in smoothing the local and international marketability of the crop.

Towards a circular economy for the plastic packaging sector: Insights from the Italian case

Achieving a circular economy (CE) has become a strategic priority for the plastic packaging industry to implement long-term business sustainability while meeting legislative requirements. In this view, the evolution of circularity practices in relation to technological, regulatory, and socio-economic factors and the implications for different value chain actors are open streams of research. This study aims to assess trends and meaningful changes in the adoption of circularity practices from the perspective of different value chain actors, under the effects of leading CE barriers and enablers. A longitudinal analysis of the influence of these factors in relation to CE practices adopted by the Italian plastic packaging sector was conducted for the years 2011, 2015, and 2019. The involvement in plastic recovery became a predominant CE strategy over time, thanks to technological availability and a more mature regulatory framework. Our results suggest a gradual shift from scattered CE implementations to a more systemic approach to CE integrating upstream and downstream solutions. However, this transition occurred at different speeds and levels across the supply chain, as companies perceived factors differently and, consequently, implemented different types of CE practices. Therefore, increased collaboration and alignment across the supply chain are still required to overcome existing challenges. Based on our analysis, a focus group with stakeholders and experts of the plastic industry drew possible future avenues for the plastic packaging sector. Suggested priority actions include advancement of new and emerging recycling technologies, prioritization of economically viable and closed-loop alternatives to recover plastic waste, and alignment between national and international CE directives. These results extend our understanding of the CE transition and shed new light on the ways in which the industry can address existing barriers in different tiers for a system-wide impact.

Analysis of The Efficiency of Value Chain on Livestock (Case Study: Chicken Meat)

In health, livestock products are a source of animal protein which is important for human health. However, in its development, there is a problem of inefficiency in the value chain of livestock products. This study used a case study on the chicken meat value chain. The research objective was to identify the value chain flow of chicken meat, identify the types of inefficient activities, and measure the level of inefficiency of each of these activities. The research method used is Failure Mode Effect Analysis (FMEA). The research was conducted in two stages. The first stage is carried out through observation to identify value chain flows and types of inefficient activities. The second stage is used to conduct an assessment so that the results of the inefficiency level are obtained. The results showed that there were several actors in the chicken meat value chain, including breeders, chicken distributors, chicken slaughter companies, chicken meat distributors, and chicken meat retailers. Overall, there are 25 inefficient activities in the chicken meat value chain. Activities with a high level of inefficiency occur in the process of slaughtering chickens. Therefore, the process of slaughtering chickens needs to be a priority for improvement in the future

Analyzing the value chain for vegetables in the North-Eastern part of Bangladesh

This paper aims to explore the value chain of vegetables with the explicit objectives of observing actors’ performance in the chain and examining vegetable supply factors in the market. The primary data were gathered from 150 value chain actors in the North-Eastern part of Bangladesh, using simple random and purposive sampling techniques. The major actors were input suppliers, producers, local traders (Paiker-1/Bepari, Arathdar, and Paiker cum retailers), and retailers. Input supply, production, marketing, and consumption were the typical value chain activities. Before reaching the end-users, a minimum value has been added to the products. A local trader named Paiker-1/Bepari governed the chain. They had a capital advantage over the other traders. The regression models’ outcomes showed that marketable supply was significantly affected by the quantity of production and distance to market in tomato, cabbage, and cauliflower. However, in the case of beans, it was considerably affected by output, remoteness from the marketplace, and access to training.

Life cycle optimization of the supply chain for biobased chemicals with local biomass resources

Developing a biobased chemical industry that copes with the current environmental challenges relies on understanding the influence of the different stages of the value chain on economic and environmental performance. This paper investigates the use of a life cycle optimization framework to assess trade-offs between environmental and economic criteria for designing supply chains for biobased polyethylene terephthalate as a case study. A multi-objective optimization model was formulated to account for the environmental impacts (through life cycle assessment) and total costs (through life cycle costing) of the case study. High environmental priority (w = 0.9) in the design of the supply chain resulted in environmental gains (in 8 out of 9 midpoint indicators) with low increments (<10 %) of the total supply chain costs. The hotspot analysis supported identifying the stages (processing plants) of the supply chain where environmental and economic improvements are required. As the environmental priority increased, a rebound effect was evidenced where the mitigation of the environmental impact in different processing plants negatively affected the economic performance of other processing plants. Therefore, close collaboration with all value chain actors is required to achieve the most optimal configuration for supply chains of biobased polyethylene terephthalate.

Agricultural information exchange and service delivery within social networks: evidence from Uganda’s banana value chain actors

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study assesses the available networks and linkages for effective information exchange and service delivery among actors in the banana value chain and develops a set of specific recommendations for policy, institutional and human resource development. Methodology: We used an exploratory case study design using Focus group discussions and Key informant interviews for data collection. Data were analysed using Social Network Analysis (SNA) to establish the actors who were influential in facilitating information exchange and service delivery in the banana value chain. Findings: We identified farmer groups and regulatory bodies as the most influential actors in facilitating information exchange and service delivery. However, they were more recipients than determinants of information and services. Network density results (0.256–0.283) show low cohesiveness among the actors, implying that less than 30% of the potential linkages are utilised for information exchange and service delivery. Practical implications: Extension and other practitioners should aim at network building taking advantage of existing knowledge and service linkages with the farmers as mechanisms to help expand and sustain their last-mile reach. Theoretical implications: SNA is relevant for assessing the contribution of various actors in the exchange of appropriate information and services. It recognises potential networks which hinder or contribute to information and service delivery among the actors. Originality: This paper contributes to literature on systems approaches and institutional development to address the challenges of information dissemination and service delivery among the actors in the banana value chain.

Dairy Value Chain and Household Development in Rwanda

The value chain in terms of dairy can lead to the development of business and households in general. Hence, the aim of the study was to examine the dairy value chain and household development in Rwamagana district in Rwanda. The study employed a descriptive research design to examine the dairy value chain and household development in Rwamagana district in Rwanda. The target population was 11,595 respondents. The sample size was 385 respondents got by using Slovin’s formula. The study used purposive and simple random sampling techniques to determine the sample size. Questionnaire and interview guides were used to collect the data. The validity of the research instrument was maintained by distributing the research instruments to the expert respondents in the area of the study while reliability was maintained by conducting a pilot study that provided reliability of the research instrument. The findings revealed that technical services, dairy inputs availability and profitable market access contributed in household incomes. It was also revealed that animal husbandry techniques by reproduction and artificial insemination promoted cross-breeding, where 50% of respondents confirmed that their cows increased from 1 to 2, and other at 46.9% increased up to 5 cows. &nbsp;The study found that 98.2% of the respondents received trainings on animal health disease management and 97.9% of them practiced what acquired from training, and this improved the animal health and reduced the cows’ death rate. Majority of dairy value chain actors at 88.5% of respondents cultivated fodder to feed their cows and 91.7% of them gained different conservation techniques such as hay making and silage useful in dry and drought seasons to avoid milk shortages and cow death. Besides, 73.2% of respondents of dairy chain actors had different milk equipment to support in keeping good quality and safety, storage and feeding such as milk cans, choppers, sprayers and other testing materials, and 87% of them accessed veterinary pharmacies nearby. Findings revealed that a large number of respondents at 90.9% consumed milk at home level which improved the households’ members livelihood, and the surplus was sold to milk collection centers, milk kiosks, restaurants, hotels, schools. The study recommended that farmers should be mobilized for more house water harvesting strategies and increased measures of fodder conservation by hay making and silage techniques. Government and private sector in partnership with dairy chain actors should put in place a processing plant for products development, diversification, market penetration and market development strategies. There should be mobilizing of private investors or cooperatives in the dairy equipment shops. Keywords: Dairy, Value change, Household, Household development and dairy value chain, Rwanda

Women’s Involvement in Cassava Value Chain Activities in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria

The main purpose of this study was to investigate women’s involvement in cassava value chain activities in Akpabuyo LGA of Cross River State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to identify the major value chain activities in the study area; investigate the value chain activities participated by women in the area; identify the constraints affecting effective involvement of women in cassava value chain in the area; and evaluate possible suggestions to improve effective involvement of women in cassava value chain activities in the area. Multi-stage and purposive sampling techniques were adopted to select 216 respondents for the study. The result revealed that the major cassava value chain activities in the area were processing ( =3.07), marketing ( =2.92), production ( =2.87) and packaging ( =1.86). The findings of this research also indicated that women participate more in cassava processing ( =1.94), rank=1st), followed by production ( =1.85). The respondents indicated that lack of adequate production and processing tools ( =3.81), poor access to land ( =3.78) and lack of financial support ( =3.72), as the three most critical constraints affecting effective involvement of women in cassava value chain activities in the study area. The respondents’ suggestion to improve their involvement in cassava value chain activities revealed that financial support, ease of transportation and access to improved cassava cuttings, with means of 3.79, 3,78 and 3.63, respective, were the most rated factors. The study concluded that women in Akpabuyo local government area are significant actors in the country’s agricultural sector, particularly the cassava sub-sector, and as a result, food security. Thus, it was recommended that value chain actors and promoters should make credit facilities available to women in order to encourage their effective involvement in cassava value chain activities in the area, among others.

The effect of input value chain financing on rice farmer’s efficiency in IFAD assisted value chain development Programme, Awka

To ensure the sustainability of the agricultural sector, some special arrangements should be made to increase farmers’ access to credit through input loans. This study on the effect of input value chain financing on rice farmer’s efficiency in the Value Chain Development Programme, Awka; specifically looks at the value chain financing options obtainable; its economic implication; its effect on food security, determinants of value chain financing effect on food security, and the efficiency of value chain financing on rice production sector. Data was collected from a cross-section of 200 farmers using a value chain financing arrangement. Descriptive statistics, multinomial logistic regression and data envelopment analysis were used for data analysis. The study revealed that 88.2% of the farmers received a certain percentage of input loan support, whereas, 78.2% received total input loan support. To the general economy of the nation, input value chain financing encourages early planting (87.1%), and enables the farmers to access production inputs (85.9%) which eventually springs forth food security in the country. Equally, the study found that value chain financing spurred 73.5% of the farmers to food security, while only 26.5% are food insecure. The food security index was 0.67 with a food security line of 38.3 USD for the farming household. We also discovered that a certain percentage of input loan support, guaranteeing farmers' financial loan applications and helping the farmers to pay for insurance premiums are the three determinants of relative food security. Whereas; certain percentage input loan, 100% input loan by value chain actors, and supports in payment of insurance premium are the four determinants of absolute food security in the study. The study, therefore, recommends that value chain financing should be adopted by stakeholders and policymakers to ensure the availability of credit to farmers.

Is Potato Market Efficient in Ethiopia? Evidence from Farta District of Amhara Region

The study aimed to explore the structure and conduct of the potato market in the Farta District of Amhara Region in Ethiopia. Data was collected from 123 potato producers, 30 traders and 13 consumers selected through a two-step random sampling procedure. Four major value chain actors that held about 49.2 percent of the total quantity of potato purchased were identified. It was found that the Farta potato market was weakly oligopolistic. The study showed that competition, commercial licenses and limited capital are the main obstacles to enter the potato market. About 47.11 percent of the overall gross margin of marketing was added to potato prices in the value chain. Approximately 19.5% of total gross margins were absorbed by collectors, while retailers and wholesalers accounted for 15.6% and 11.9%, respectively. The actors in the value chain of potatoes generated positive profits, but the barriers to entry, the structure of oligopoly markets and the inability to determine price sets the potato market inefficient.

Assessing the factors and constraints for value chain development of dairy food products in Bangladesh

The dairy sector in Bangladesh has shifted from subsistence to commercial and enterprise-driven due to the increasing demand of milk and milk products. In this context, this study was conducted to explore the different participants in dairy value chains and their role in the production, processing and marketing of dairy products. This study addresses the constraints faced by these participants and the factors influencing the value chain efficiency as a case study from Bogura districts of Bangladesh. The Bogura district was selected purposively considering the most potential geographical area of dairy farming. Face-to-face surveys were conducted to collect data during January to April 2019 using two sets of well-designed questionnaires. Multiple regression models were analyzed for the factors affecting the value addition of selected dairy food products. Moreover, Kendall's coefficient of concordance was applied for identifying the constraints faced by dairy products value chain actors. The empirical findings showed that processors of dairy food products added the highest value among all the actors involved in the value chain. Furthermore, the findings revealed that gender, education, purchase price, and sale price significantly influenced the value addition of processed dairy products (yogurt and ghee) value chain. The findings also revealed that the most untiring constraints faced by the market actors were the lack of capital and credit facilities, insufficient storage facilities, lack of processing center, and lack of proper transportation facilities. The findings of this study can help the stakeholders to improve the policy measures towards developing a new market for the dairy food products which might result in high value added, domestic, and export oriented dairy industry.

How does colonial heritage segment food markets? Evidence from rice consumers in Mauritania

Abstract Reducing Africa's dependence on Asian rice imports requires tailoring local rice products to food markets that are segmented by cultural heritage of ancient rice domestication and colonial heritage of more recent import substitution policies. Using experimental auctions, we examine quality upgrading and branding spillovers from Senegal by assessing the competitiveness of Senegalese vis-à-vis imported Asian rice products in an urban market in Mauritania. The Mauritanian rice market is mainly shaped by colonial heritage and is segmented into (i) elite White Hassanis, (ii) lower caste Black Hassanis, (iii) immigrants with colonial heritage, and (iv) a smaller group of immigrants with cultural heritage. While colonial heritage generally tends to incline consumers towards imported rice, local rice is preferred by Black Hassanis, older and more educated consumers, housewives, and wealthier families. This evidence can support policymakers and value chain actors in their efforts to spill over rice value chain upgrading between the Senegalese and Mauritanian river banks along the Senegal River Valley.

Effects of Communication Barriers on Adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture Technologies in Kenya: A Case of Agro-pastoralists in West Pokot County

Over the last two decades, agricultural researchers have been developing technology-based systems to aid farmers in various aspects of farming. However, information about these agricultural research technologies has not been effectively disseminated to farmers, thus, low uptake of agricultural technologies among farmers. In Kenya, one of the major factors identified to contribute to the low uptake of agricultural technologies among farmers is communication barriers among agricultural researchers, policy makers, value chain actors, and farmers concerning the availability, applicability, and how to adopt the agricultural technologies for high production. The general objective of this study, therefore, was to explore how barriers to communication influenced the uptake of climate-smart technologies among farmers in West Pokot County, Kenya. The study employed a Pragmatism approach, specifically sequential QUAN→QUAL mixed method. The target population of the study looked at the entire group of objects having common observable characteristics and a population that tends to have a wide geographical spread but not the total or universal population. The population sample was therefore based on practice, the expense of data collection, and the need to have sufficient statistical power, precision level, the level of confidence of risk, and the variability degree in the attributes being measured. This sample size of farmers from West Pokot who participated in this study, therefore, was 494 farmers and 29 selected key informants from various agricultural institutions. Procedures of sampling were used at a characteristic level of a material specification or task list. Cluster random sampling and purposive sampling methods were used to select the respondents for the study. Farmers were grouped into four clusters based on the four Sub-Counties of West Pokot County. The selected key informants were assumed to have adequate experience in matters communication of agricultural information towards successful uptake of climate-smart agriculture in West Pokot County. The administration of questions guided by questionnaires through an online data kit app and conducting of in-depth interviews guides. Data collected through questionnaires was quantitative (closed-ended) with a few qualitative (open-ended) questions. One of the results showed that major barriers are the language barrier, poor road network, and poor telecommunications infrastructure.

Transitioning towards a circular bioeconomy in South Africa: Who are the key players?

The transition towards a circular economy is becoming a priority in many countries globally. However, the circular bioeconomy has received relatively less attention. In South Africa, the valorisation of organic waste is a priority area as demonstrated by national goals to divert organic waste from landfill. To support the growth of the organic waste value chain it is important to gain an understanding of the different value chain actors and their activities. Through a series of semi-structured interviews across the industry, this paper unpacks the organic waste value chain including the roles of different actors and the interlinkages amongst them. Interviewed actors were those involved in the waste treatment sector, including consultants, composters and technology providers and installers. The value chain is characterised by a number of partnerships, including sub-contracting and outsourcing, which enable value chain actors to offer services that they do not necessarily have the in-house skills or capacity to deliver on their own. The majority of actors were not directly engaged in activities related to the treatment of waste, with many of them engaging in support activities to facilitate the treatment of waste. This finding may be attributed to the fact that support activities have relatively lower barriers to entry. This has the potential to create a bottleneck, in which there will be limited capacity for waste treatment as new entrants opt for engaging in support activities. Greater investment is needed from both private and public sources in the waste treatment sector, including support for new entrants. This investment will help enable the country to meet its goals for organic waste diversion whilst contributing to job creation.Significance: The majority of participants in the organic waste value chain were engaged in support activities. The organic waste value chain is characterised by a series of partnerships. Greater investment is needed for the development of waste treatment facilities.

Evolution of value chain and governance actor responses to the plastic leakage problem in South Africa

An estimated 15,000–40,000 tons of plastic waste leaks into the oceans from South Africa annually. This has put the management of plastic products in the spotlight. In South Africa, life cycle management (LCM) is not a term that is commonly used however some companies have adopted LCM tools and concepts including cleaner production, sustainable procurement and design for recycling. Interviews with key value chain actors were conducted in 2017 and 2018–2019, on the influence of plastic leakage on plastic product life cycle management. In 2017, actors largely did not view themselves as responsible for plastic leakage, mostly putting blame on consumers. During the second interview period, a shift was observed wherein the actors recognized the role of product design in plastic leakage and started taking a more active role in its mitigation from the perspective of extended producer responsibility. The drivers for addressing marine pollution mirrored those for the adoption of LCM tools, including maintaining a competitive advantage and meeting investor and consumer expectations. In 2020, the South African Plastic Pact was developed and launched, which aims to create a circular economy for plastic packaging. As of October 2021, the majority of interviewed value chain actors are members. Ultimately the increasing concern surrounding plastic pollution has directly influenced value chain actors' perspectives and actions.