Comparative Chain Performance Analysis: Goat (Capra hircus) Supply Chain in Northwestern Leyte

This study carries out snowball sampling technique to document supply chain map and determine its performance in terms of efficiency and responsiveness of the goat industry supply chain in Northwestern Leyte. Results revealed that there were three chains identified in the area, namely: individual farmers who market their produced goats to a terminal goat market, the two registered associations, Tabango Integrated Goat Entrepreneurs and Raisers (TIGER) and Villaba Association of Goat Entrepreneurs (VILLAGE). Detailed supply chain mapping shows that goats from the farmers' point are brought to different places such as Cebu, Eastern Samar, Hinunangan Southern Leyte and Palompon, Leyte. Supply chain in the associations is generally simple, as it only constitutes direct seller-buyer market, while auction-market driven is a distinct configuration. Goat trading formally takes place once a week in the identified terminal market which were participated by processors, assembler-traders and end consumers. A simple supply and demand analysis revealed that there is a lack of the volume requirements by institutional and contract buyers, indicating an unmet demand and shortage of supply. This unmet demand opens a door of opportunity for goat production intensification in the area. Although profit margins were generated, logistical issues suggest production inefficiencies along the supply chain. Hence, this baseline information on goat supply chain provides empirical evidence on the need for improvement in the production to consumption in order to enhance the productivity of the goat industry in Northwestern Leyte, Philippines.