Assessment of Supply Chain Management Practices in Live Animal Export: The Case of Gurage Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to assess supply chain management in live animal export. In order to meet the objectives of the study, a descriptive survey design was employed. Both secondary and primary data sources were employed. Primary data sources include questionnaire, interview, and focus group discussion were used. The target population of the study is livestock producers in some selected Woredas, firm exporter and livestock traders in the two target towns were selected by purposively sampling method. From the total population of 1500 household livestock producers’ and 50 employees of exporter firms, 315 household livestock producers and 44 employees of exporter firms were randomly selected for this study. Finally, the data collected from the respondents were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively by using descriptive Statistical Analysis Such as frequencies, mean values, standard deviations and t-tests. The information obtained through document, open-ended questionnaires, focus group discussion and the interviews were qualitatively analyzed to supplement the quantitative data. The findings revealed that the livestock producers, traders and exporters were the main actors of the supply chain. These actors were did not establish strong and effective mutual relationships cooperation, integration and coordination rather they all operate their respective business independently and traditionally. The current live animal traders practice in Gurage Zone seems to be the traditional linking with the producers. All live animal supply chain participants were used traditional way of gathering marketing information like personal observation. Therefore, it is recommended that serious awareness creation, workshops on livestock production, marketing and export regulation, policies and strategies have to be conducted to the supply chain participants and stakeholders of the sector that aimed to create conducive conditions for export trade.

Keywords: supply chain management, live animal, export

DOI: 10.7176/IEL/9-4-03

Publication date:May 31^st 2019