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The Transformation of African Smallholders into Customer Value Creating Businesses: A Conceptual Framework

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  • Mebrahtu L. Teklehaimanot
  • Paul T. M. Ingenbleek
  • Hans C. M. van Trijp

Abstract

An increasing number of the 600 million African smallholders are becoming integrated into the supply chains of supermarkets, fast food chains, and exporters. This process gradually transforms the smallholders into profit-oriented businesses that can make important contributions to rural development and food security. This article brings this issue to the attention of the readership of the Journal of African Business. It connects distinct lines of literature on smallholders, business training, and customer value creation. More specifically, it argues that to equip smallholders with the understanding of how markets function and what customers value, trainings that address fundamental marketing concepts are required. The arguments are captured in a conceptual framework explaining the livelihood performance of rural African smallholders. Based on these arguments, the article formulates implications for development workers and suggests directions for African business research.

Suggested Citation

  • Mebrahtu L. Teklehaimanot & Paul T. M. Ingenbleek & Hans C. M. van Trijp, 2017. "The Transformation of African Smallholders into Customer Value Creating Businesses: A Conceptual Framework," Journal of African Business, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 18(3), pages 299-319, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:wjabxx:v:18:y:2017:i:3:p:299-319
    DOI: 10.1080/15228916.2017.1297628
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. J D Lewis, 2002. "Promoting Growth and Employment in South Africa," South African Journal of Economics, Economic Society of South Africa, vol. 70(4), pages 338-358, March.
    2. Narayanan, Sudha & Gulati, Ashok, 2002. "Globalization and the smallholders," MTID discussion papers 50, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    3. Steven Jaffee & Spencer Henson & Luz Diaz Rios, 2011. "Making the Grade : Smallholder Farmers, Emerging Standards, and Development Assistance Programs in Africa - A Research Program Synthesis," World Bank Publications - Reports 2823, The World Bank Group.
    4. Girum Abebe & Tetsushi Sonobe, 2012. "Management Practices, Self-Selection into Management Training Participation, and Training Effects in the Garment Industry in Ethiopia," GRIPS Discussion Papers 11-23, National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies.
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    Cited by:

    1. Giuseppe Di Vita & Daniela Spina & Rachele De Cianni & Roberto Carbone & Mario D’Amico & Raffaele Zanchini, 2023. "Enhancing the extended value chain of the aromatic plant sector in Italy: a multiple correspondence analysis based on stakeholders’ opinions," Agricultural and Food Economics, Springer;Italian Society of Agricultural Economics (SIDEA), vol. 11(1), pages 1-24, December.
    2. Adetoyinbo, Ayobami & Otter, Verena, 2020. "Organizational Structures, Gender Roles and Upgrading Strategies for Smallholders in Developing Countries’ Local Value Chains," GlobalFood Discussion Papers 305193, Georg-August-Universitaet Goettingen, GlobalFood, Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development.

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