Drivers of Indivisible Technology Channel Access and Service Provision among Small and Medium Sized Food Processing Firms in Tanzania

July 3, 2017 - Jason E Snyder, David L Tschirley, Thomas A Reardon

Snyder, J. E., Tschirley, D. L., & Reardon, T. A. (2017). Drivers of Indivisible Technology Channel Access and Service Provision among Small and Medium Sized Food Processing Firms in Tanzania.

Abstract

Economic growth and urbanization has led to a rapid increase in the purchase of processed foods in East and Southern Africa (ESA) among all segments of society, with overall demand through markets projected to increase 7% to 8% per year over the next three decades (Tschirley et al., 2015a). This presents a major opportunity for the local food processing industry and for the economy as a whole. However, seizing this opportunity depends on the ability of the local food industry to compete with food imports, requiring investment in the capital (eg, human and physical) and technology necessary to cater to the evolving preferences and requirements of both a rising middle class of consumers and a modernizing retail sector.
 
Trienekens (2011) classifies three types of food systems:(1) an “A-system” which is characterized as low income, local, and traditional with mainly small firms and many links in the supply chain,(2) a “B-system” which has a mix of small and medium size firms (SMEs) and networks of collaborating firms, many of which engage in value added production and are linked to supermarkets, and (3) a “C-system” which is designed for export and is characterized by large economies of scale and high value added production. The focus of this paper is on A and B food systems, and more specifically, on the role of and opportunities for SMEs within them.

Authors

You Might Also Be Interested In

Accessibility Questions:

For questions about accessibility and/or if you need additional accommodations for a specific document, please send an email to ANR Communications & Marketing at anrcommunications@anr.msu.edu.

Tag List
  • food security group,
  • fsg peer reviewed publications,
  • fsp peer reviewed publications,
  • innovation lab for food security policy,
  • tanzania
  • follow us on linkedin
Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).