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Quality Improvement in African Food Supply Chains: Determinants of Farmer Performance

Author

Listed:
  • Delelegne Abera Tefera

    (Hawassa University)

  • Jos Bijman

    (Wageningen University and Research)

  • Maja Slingerland

    (Wageningen Universiteit and Research)

  • Gerben Velde

    (Hawassa University)

  • Onno Omta

    (Wageningen University and Research)

Abstract

The integration of smallholders in modern value chains in sub-Saharan Africa is an important pathway for improving income and farmer livelihoods. Connected to demographic shifts, rapid urbanization, and the emergence of a middle class, there is a demand for higher product quality. In order to access these modern markets, smallholders need to enhance the quality of their products. However, factors that determine smallholders’ decision to invest in quality upgrading are not well understood. Using cross-sectional data from the Ethiopian barley sector, we analyse the factors that explain smallholders’ decision to improve quality. We find that socioeconomic, institutional and market factors affect the decision to improve quality. Our study contributes to the understanding of the determinants of quality upgrading at the micro-level of the economics of quality production, and thus of rural development.

Suggested Citation

  • Delelegne Abera Tefera & Jos Bijman & Maja Slingerland & Gerben Velde & Onno Omta, 2020. "Quality Improvement in African Food Supply Chains: Determinants of Farmer Performance," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 32(1), pages 152-175, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:eurjdr:v:32:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1057_s41287-019-00224-4
    DOI: 10.1057/s41287-019-00224-4
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