An Analysis of Vegetable Supply Chain in Arusha Region, Tanzania

This paper presents the findings of a study on analysis of vegetable supply chain (VSC) in Arusha Region, using Meru and Arusha districts as a case. The study applied a systems theory since supply chains are open, complex and adaptive systems which change depending on a number of influencing factors. Vegetable sector is one of the important sectors that contribute to the wellbeing of societies through providing necessary nutrients to the human diet while offering employment and hence income to its participants. Despite this fact, the VSC in Tanzania is facing a number of challenges that impinges realisation of its full potential as a poverty reduction stronghold. The study therefore was geared to critically analyse the structure, behaviour and challenges that VSC faces and devise future research agenda. Mixed method approach was used as a research methodology for the purpose of achieving research objectives. Specifically, a self administered structured questionnaire and direct observation were employed as data collection. A simple random sampling technique was used to select respondents from each stratum. Data were analysed using descriptive and nonparametric statistical techniques as data were ordinal and categorical in nature. The study found that the current structure and behaviour of VSC is largely the outcome of policies in force, which also have a significant impact to the unfair reward/pay-off system amongst VSC participants. As a consequence of unbalanced reward/pay-off system, some VSC participants sustained opportunistic power relationships that tried to maintain the status quo of their position in existing VSC structure. Poor logistical support services were also found to exert tremendous impact to the current proportion of postharvest losses.