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The economics of Africa's floriculture air-cargo supply chain

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  • Button, Kenneth

Abstract

This article examines the economics of Africa's emerging air cargo supply chains, taking floriculture as a case study. Floriculture is an important employer, and earner of foreign exchange for several regions of central/southern and eastern Africa including more recently Ethiopia. Air transportation often plays a critical role when the supply-chain involves high-value, non-durable, relatively light-weight, and compact consignments such as flowers, and geographically when regions are difficult to access by other trunk modes. The success of air cargo chains, however, depend as much on the quality of surface modes serving various “last mile” access and egress functions, as well as efficient nodal interchange points and the availability of suitable airport and airline capacity. The last, because of the important role of belly-hold space, includes consideration of passenger as well as cargo specific services. To meet the needs of Africa's floriculture sector, a variety of supply-chain models have emerged that embrace air and surface links, as well as storage at various points in the chain. The paper considers the nature of these chains, the reason d'être for their structures, and their limitations.

Suggested Citation

  • Button, Kenneth, 2020. "The economics of Africa's floriculture air-cargo supply chain," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 86(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jotrge:v:86:y:2020:i:c:s0966692320300776
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2020.102789
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    2. Guerrero, David & Niérat, Patrick & Thill, Jean-Claude, 2023. "Connecting short and long distance perspectives in freight transportation: Introduction to a special issue," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 106(C).
    3. Tolcha, Tassew Dufera & Tchouamou Njoya, Eric & Bråthen, Svein & Holmgren, Johan, 2021. "Effects of African aviation liberalisation on economic freedom, air connectivity and related economic consequences," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 110(C), pages 204-214.
    4. Mukesh Kumar & Veena Chaudhary & Ujjwal Sirohi & Arun Lal Srivastav, 2024. "Economically viable flower drying techniques to sustain flower industry amid COVID-19 pandemic," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 26(9), pages 22103-22148, September.

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