Key challenges in Malawi's paprika supply chain: new insights into contract farming. Issue 2 (17th February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Repar, Lana A.; Onakuse, Stephen; Bogue, Joe; Afonso, Ana
• Is Part Of: Development in practice. Volume 28:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 227
• Page End: 241
• Publication Date: 2018-02-17
• Subjects: Aid – Development policies -- Labour and livelihoods – Poverty reduction, Economics -- Sub-Saharan Africa; Technical assistance -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Economic assistance -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; 338.91091724
• DOI: 10.1080/09614524.2018.1424801
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0961-4524

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Contract farming is a vital tool for linking small-scale farmers with modern supply chains. This study explored challenges resulting from contracting in the paprika supply chain in Malawi. The study used focus groups, semi-structured interviews, and email correspondence with 100 supply chain participants. The identified challenges include: inadequate input provision via the contract, a lack of opportunities to bargain and participate in contract design, and side-selling. While the contract secured the outlet for paprika, it failed to provide a reliable paprika supply for the contracting company. Thus, Malawi's case analyses the potential of contract farming to champion the development of vulnerable economies.