Understanding the influence of context characteristics, logistics control and quality control on postharvest losses : a case of Zimbabwean tomato supply chains

Postharvest losses (PHL) in fresh produce chains are a substantial problem worldwide. The problem is most prevalent and persistent in developing countries, even though many intervention strategies have been proposed. The overall objective of this research was to understand the influence of logistics and quality control activities, as well as context factors, on the incidence of PHL in fresh produce chains. For this purpose, four studies (Chapter 2-5) were conducted, in which three of the studies included case studies in tomato supply chains in Zimbabwe. In Chapter 2, a hierarchical framework for logistics and quality control decisions influencing PHL in fresh produce chains was developed based on a literature review. The framework was used to categorise PHL reduction interventions (proposed in literature) as strategic, tactical or operational. In Chapter 3, a diagnostic tool to concurrently assess the status of logistics and quality control activities, in view of the context wherein the fresh supply chain actors operate was developed. The tool was applied in the case study of tomato supply chains in Zimbabwe with different farmer types i.e., small-scale subsistence farmers, small-scale commercial, and large-scale commercial farmers. Logistics and quality control activities, as well as, the context characteristics that are determinants of PHL in tomato supply chains in Zimbabwe were identified in Chapter 4. Furthermore, a framework for a step-wise implementation of interventions for PHL reduction in fresh produce chains at different stages was developed. In Chapter 4, the magnitude of all the three types of PHL (quantitative, qualitative, and economic losses) in tomato supply chains in Zimbabwe was investigated. The results revealed that subsistence farmers performed logistics and quality control activities at a low level, whereas they operate in a highly vulnerable context. The chains for subsistence farmers are characterised by absence of or basic storage and transportation facilities, and lack of financial resources, as compared to chains for commercial farmers, which are characterised by modern storage and transportation facilities, and access to financial resources, as compared to that for subsistence farmers. Furthermore, the results showed that multiple determinants for PHL were found that rooted in as well the logistics as quality control activities as in the context. These multiple causal roots should be considered when designing effective interventions for PHL reduction. The comprehensive investigation of the different types of PHL (as well quantitative as qualitative as economic) demonstrated that even though quantitative losses were relatively low compared to other literature findings, the financial consequences of economic PHL for particularly subsistence farmers are substantial. This underpins that estimating PHL based only on quantitative losses results in an underestimation of the actual PHL. Overall, the insights provided in this thesis could be used in designing and implementing tailored interventions for PHL reduction, thereby, contributing to improvement towards sustainable fresh produce chains.</p

Examining the influence of social media eWOM on consumers’ purchase intentions of commercialised indigenous fruits (IFs) products in FMCGs retailers

Despite noteworthy advancement of theoretical and practical knowledge of social media eWord-of-Mouth with evidence from prior empirical research, the influences consumers’ purchase intentions of commercialised indigenous fruits products in fast moving consumer goods retailers remains unexplored in academic domain. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to examining the role of social media word-of-mouth on consumers’ purchase intentions of commercialised indigenous fruits products in fast moving consumer goods retailers. It is based on a nomothetic quantitative methodology, where a survey was applied to collect responses from consumers of commercialized indigenous fruits products in selected fast moving consumer goods retailers in Marondera town, in Mashonaland East province of Zimbabwe. The structural equation modelling validated results confirm that quality, source credibility, usefulness of information and information adoption have influence on social media electronic word-of-mouth on consumers’ purchase intentions of commercialised indigenous fruits products in fast moving consumer goods retailers. In line with the current research results, complementary cross-sectional studies using the same methodology in different geographical areas in the same focus can be applied to check for relevancy, reliability and applicability. However, the current study, originally contributes to digital marketing, information communication technologies or information systems and food marketing practice and theory building. Further to this, it provides researchers with an agenda for future research directions

Examining the influence of social media eWOM on consumers’ purchase intentions of commercialised indigenous fruits (IFs) products in FMCGs retailers

Despite noteworthy advancement of theoretical and practical knowledge of social media eWord-of-Mouth with evidence from prior empirical research, the influences consumers’ purchase intentions of commercialised indigenous fruits products in fast moving consumer goods retailers remains unexplored in academic domain. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to examining the role of social media word-of-mouth on consumers’ purchase intentions of commercialised indigenous fruits products in fast moving consumer goods retailers. It is based on a nomothetic quantitative methodology, where a survey was applied to collect responses from consumers of commercialized indigenous fruits products in selected fast moving consumer goods retailers in Marondera town, in Mashonaland East province of Zimbabwe. The structural equation modelling validated results confirm that quality, source credibility, usefulness of information and information adoption have influence on social media electronic word-of-mouth on consumers’ purchase intentions of commercialised indigenous fruits products in fast moving consumer goods retailers. In line with the current research results, complementary cross-sectional studies using the same methodology in different geographical areas in the same focus can be applied to check for relevancy, reliability and applicability. However, the current study, originally contributes to digital marketing, information communication technologies or information systems and food marketing practice and theory building. Further to this, it provides researchers with an agenda for future research directions

Agro-Ecological Distribution and Consumption of Wild Harvested Edible Insects, Fruits, and Vegetables in Rural Zimbabwe

Natural resources are a valuable component of traditional food systems that contributes to food and nutrition. The distribution and consumption patterns of these natural resources still needs exploration for follow-up research and optimum utilisation. The aim of this study was to investigate the agro-ecological distribution and the consumption of wild harvested edible insects, indigenous fruits and vegetables in rural Zimbabwe. Secondary data generated from a cross-sectional survey targeting 11,973 randomly selected households rural districts was used. The results revealed that at least 14 wild harvested edible insect species, 26 indigenous fruits and 10 indigenous vegetables are commonly consumed. The results showed that the highly consumed indigenous fruits, vegetables and insects were widely distributed in all provinces irrespective of the agro-ecological region and varied due to rainfall pattern and also due to soil type. However, their distribution was in some cases restricted to specific administrative boundaries or provinces. Consumption pattern and preference for some insects, fruits and vegetables varied with province. The distribution and consumption data presented in this study offers an opportunity to advocate for the conservation, production, processing and promotion of specific species in districts by relevant stakeholders and can be used as an advocacy tool for policymakers

Contribution of edible insects to improved food and nutrition security:a review

The consumption of insects “entomophagy” or insect-based foods is increasingly being recognised as an emerging solution to promote diet diversification and address the multiple burden of malnutrition. Although several studies suggest edible insects as valuable nutrient sources, few have evaluated the effects of processing on nutrient bioavailability and bioaccessibility and provided actual evidence on human nutrition. Moreover, there is limited evidence of their actual contribution to improved food and nutrition security. Therefore, the review evaluated existing evidence on human interventions and the effects of processing methods on bioavailability and bioaccessibility of key nutrients since these directly influence food and nutrition security outcomes. Seven human efficacy studies have been conducted to date and these show limited observable effects on nutrition status therefore more research is required. Findings also suggest that the processing method, insect matrix, composition of the food matrix and interaction with other food components can influence nutrient bioavailability and bioaccessibility. Hence, these should be considered during formulation and upscaling for entomophagy and insect-based foods to be viable intervention strategies against malnutrition.</p

Mopane worm value chain in Zimbabwe:evidence on knowledge, practices and processes in Gwanda district

Consumption of edible insects is a potential solution to the growing need for protein. However, the wild harvested edible insects’ value chain faces several challenges including limited knowledge on indigenous practices in the harvesting and processing and lack of information on roles of the different actors in the chain. A case study of Gonimbrasia belina, colloquially referred to as the ’mopane worm’, was conducted to understand and identify determinants of participation in the value chain of the edible caterpillar. A cross sectional study was conducted in Gwanda (a rural district in Zimbabwe) to (a) understand the indigenous knowledge on harvesting and processing methods, (b) explore value addition and the traditional beliefs surrounding the utilisation of the mopane worm. Results showed that consumers (81.7%), and harvesters (76.6%) were the main actors in the mopane worm value chain. Using the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) model, the following were shown to be determinants of participation in the mopane worm value chain: (a) gender (b) household size (c) marital status (d) religion and (e) household assets. Two primary processing methods of harvested mopane worm were distinguished i.e., boiling and roasting on ambers. Results showed lack of diversity in mopane worm-based products. Current culturally acceptable processing techniques need improvement and standardization to support sustainable mopane worm processing while optimising nutrient bio-accessibility

Development of a nutritious cereal-based instant porridge by the incorporation of protein-rich insect powder - an example from Zimbabwe

Maize in Zimbabwe lacks essential nutrients like protein, iron, and zinc. This study explored alternative ingredients, including climate smart cereals used in porridge, to address this issue. A fortified porridge was developed by adding mopane worm powder, known for its high protein content. Consumer analysis in the UK and Zimbabwe confirmed acceptability of the fortified porridge. The study also assessed the nutritional quality by examining protein, iron, and zinc bioaccessibility after digestion. Results showed a significant increase in the porridge's nutritional profile. A 20 kg child consuming a 50 g portion of the fortified porridge had a potential 230 % increase in protein uptake and 164 % and 109 % increases in iron and zinc uptake, respectively. Acknowledging dietary diversity and use of local raw materials, the study concludes that food-to-food fortification offers a recommended and sustainable solution to address food security challenges in sub-Saharan African nations

Exploration of logistics and quality control activities in view of context characteristics and postharvest losses in fresh produce chains : A case study for tomatoes

Postharvest losses in fresh produce chains are a major threat to food security, especially in transition countries. To develop effective intervention strategies for postharvest losses reduction, it is important to first understand the core logistics and quality control activities that could affect postharvest losses in these chains. In this study, a diagnostic tool was developed and used to assess the implementation level of core logistics and quality control activities, the vulnerability of the system due to the context in which it operates, and the actual postharvest losses. Based upon a literature review, the context characteristics are divided into product, process, organisation, and supply chain environment characteristics to assess the context vulnerability to postharvest losses. The identified core logistics activities are planning on the amount of fresh produce to harvest and process, selecting issuing policies, selecting mode of transportation and type of vehicle, and vehicle scheduling and routing. Maturity determination at harvest, deciding on harvest moment, harvesting, packing, and storage practices, use of grading standards, package material, temperature monitoring during storage and transportation, and equipment maintenance are the core quality control activities identified. The tool was applied to three groups of farmers operating in a tomato supply chain in Zimbabwe. The major findings are that commercial farmers recorded lower postharvest losses (1%) as compared to subsistence farmers (3%), the context for commercial farmers is less vulnerable to the generation of postharvest losses as compared to that for subsistence farmers, and logistics and quality control activities for commercial farmers are implemented at a more advanced level. The tool provides differentiated assessment that allows users to identify improvement opportunities to achieve higher performance for the activities and to reduce context vulnerability

Mopane worm value chain in Zimbabwe: Evidence on knowledge, practices, and processes in Gwanda District

Consumption of edible insects is a potential solution to the growing need for protein. However, the wild harvested edible insects’ value chain faces several challenges including limited knowledge on indigenous practices in the harvesting and processing and lack of information on roles of the different actors in the chain. A case study of Gonimbrasia belina, colloquially referred to as the ’mopane worm’, was conducted to understand and identify determinants of participation in the value chain of the edible caterpillar. A cross sectional study was conducted in Gwanda (a rural district in Zimbabwe) to (a) understand the indigenous knowledge on harvesting and processing methods, (b) explore value addition and the traditional beliefs surrounding the utilisation of the mopane worm. Results showed that consumers (81.7%), and harvesters (76.6%) were the main actors in the mopane worm value chain. Using the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) model, the following were shown to be determinants of participation in the mopane worm value chain: (a) gender (b) household size (c) marital status (d) religion and (e) household assets. Two primary processing methods of harvested mopane worm were distinguished i.e., boiling and roasting on ambers. Results showed lack of diversity in mopane worm-based products. Current culturally acceptable processing techniques need improvement and standardization to support sustainable mopane worm processing while optimising nutrient bio-accessibility