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Understanding participation in modern supply chains under a social network perspective – evidence from blackberry farmers in the Ecuadorian Andes

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  • Herforth, Nico
  • Theuvsen, Ludwig
  • Vásquez, Wilson
  • Wollni, Meike

Abstract

In this paper, we use semi-structured interviews with firm representatives and original survey data to study the factors influencing farmers’ participation in modern supply chains in the Ecuadorian blackberry sector. Previous research has emphasized the important role of farm size and non-farm assets enabling participation in these chains. Going beyond this scope of analysis, we argue that farmers’ social networks can be an important avenue to facilitate inclusion. Using different probit model specifications, we find that individual farmers’ social networks are important determinants for participation in modern supply chains in an environment characterized by a homogenous farm sector. Further research is needed to explore the specific pathways through which social networks exert their influence.

Suggested Citation

  • Herforth, Nico & Theuvsen, Ludwig & Vásquez, Wilson & Wollni, Meike, 2015. "Understanding participation in modern supply chains under a social network perspective – evidence from blackberry farmers in the Ecuadorian Andes," GlobalFood Discussion Papers 197709, Georg-August-Universitaet Goettingen, GlobalFood, Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:gagfdp:197709
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.197709
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    Cited by:

    1. Luong, Tuan, 2023. "Network resilience and risk attitudes: Evidence from Vietnamese Vegetable Farming," 97th Annual Conference, March 27-29, 2023, Warwick University, Coventry, UK 334556, Agricultural Economics Society - AES.
    2. Awal Abdul‐Rahaman & Awudu Abdulai, 2020. "Social networks, rice value chain participation and market performance of smallholder farmers in Ghana," African Development Review, African Development Bank, vol. 32(2), pages 216-227, June.
    3. Vieraa, William & Vierab, Alex & Martíneza, Aníbal & Jácomea, Rosendo & Ayalaa, Germán & Sotomayora, Andrea & Galarzaa, David & Ronc, Lenin, 2018. "Factors influencing peach farmer income in the province of Tungurahua, Ecuador," Economia Agraria y Recursos Naturales, Spanish Association of Agricultural Economists, vol. 17(02), January.
    4. Moreno-Miranda, Carlos & Dries, Liesbeth, 2024. "Circular economy intentions in the fruit and vegetable sector of Central Ecuador," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 219(C).

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    Keywords

    Agribusiness; Agricultural and Food Policy; Community/Rural/Urban Development;
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