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Making decisions without reliable information: The struggle of local traders in the pastoral meat supply chain

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  • Roba, Guyo M.
  • Lelea, Margareta A.
  • Hensel, Oliver
  • Kaufmann, Brigitte

Abstract

In Sub-Saharan Africa, arid and semi-arid rangelands are mainly used by pastoral communities for livestock production. In northern Kenya, these communities predominantly sell sheep and goats to local traders who connect them to different markets. This pastoral livestock supply chain is characterized by inadequate market information, without which it is difficult to improve the coordination of seller–buyer activities. This paper examines the information needs and constraints of producers and different categories of traders. Semi-structured and narrative interviews were conducted with 15 producers and 26 traders. Results revealed the particular information needs of traders; such as the range of prices in different markets, the extent of competition, grades of animals in high demand and further animal specifications. However, market information tended to change within a short time-span. Analysis of weekly prices for different grades revealed high price variability such that prices were only known on the market day. This unpredictability made it difficult for traders to improve prices offered to pastoral producers. We recommend strengthening relations of local traders to meat processors and wholesalers that structure information exchange so that they can make better decisions to improve their margins.

Suggested Citation

  • Roba, Guyo M. & Lelea, Margareta A. & Hensel, Oliver & Kaufmann, Brigitte, 2018. "Making decisions without reliable information: The struggle of local traders in the pastoral meat supply chain," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 76(C), pages 33-43.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jfpoli:v:76:y:2018:i:c:p:33-43
    DOI: 10.1016/j.foodpol.2018.01.013
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Cazzuffi, Chiara & McKay, Andy & Perge, Emilie, 2020. "The impact of agricultural commercialisation on household welfare in rural Vietnam," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 94(C).
    2. Martin C. Parlasca, 2021. "A vital technology: Review of the literature on mobile phone use among pastoralists," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 33(4), pages 780-799, May.
    3. Parlasca, Martin C. & Mußhoff, Oliver & Qaim, Matin, 2018. "How mobile phones can improve nutrition among pastoral communities: Panel data evidence from Northern Kenya," GlobalFood Discussion Papers 274651, Georg-August-Universitaet Goettingen, GlobalFood, Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development.

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