Factors Affecting Integration of Farmers In Companies' Supply Chains

Numerous studies conducted has shown multiple benefits of supply chain integration in Companies as it leads to improved firm’s financial performance and offer access to reliable markets for Smallholder farmers. However, in Malawi integration of farmers in Corporates’ supply chains has been successful mainly in tobacco different to other sectors. This study assessed factors affecting integration of Smallholder farmers in the corporate supply chains using ADMARC as case study. The study results have showed that the nature of supply chain drivers in ADMARC including; facilities, transport, inventory, information, pricing and sourcing influenced its performance in supply chain integration. The study also showed that marketing which includes; pricing, place where the facilities are located, advertising and time of opening the market influenced supply chain integration. The study further concludes that; regulatory, technical, managerial and business enabling environment that included inadequate funding and pricing policy were found as the main challenges that affect integration of smallholder farmers in ADMARC supply chain