The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport
Abstract
Purpose: This paper is part of an on-going project relating to why and how to increase collaboration between food micro-producers. In this work we look at barriers perceived by independent farmers in Mexico (Sinaloa) during the development of their farming and commercial activities. Such barriers are often linked to the level of organisation among farmers, and we explore if this is a pertinent observation.
Research Approach: Secondary data from a Mexican rural census are used. Such data are compared, by means of scatter diagrams, to recognise patterns between barriers perceived by farmers, level of organisation, access to support and training, and access to credit. This comparison is done at the municipality level in order to recognise if there is a geographical propensity to collaborate. Initial insights reflect the need for complementary research approaches, particularly when studying the impact of individual preferences in the sustainability of supply chains involving rural communities.
Findings and Originality: Findings suggest (a) strong correlation between level of organisation among producers and additional access to resources (support, training and credit), and (b) not so strong correlation between frequency of perceived barriers and organisation or access to resources. This suggests that external funding is not enough to achieve farmers’ satisfaction in rural communities. Other drivers involve the social dimension of sustainable supply chains, something that has been discussed only tangentially in supply chains literature. Accordingly, the main contribution of this paper is that we shows specific examples were links between barriers’ perception among farmers and their level of organisation cannot be generalised; by doing so, we indicate the need for complementary research approaches when dealing with individuals’ preferences and expectations.
Research Impact: Evidences are presented about how organisation between farmers may contribute to improve individual and collective performances. The research approach draws links between supply and value chains literature and the social dimension of sustainable development. The research procedure indicates the need for additional data in the census, but also limitations in this procedure to trigger change. A complementary approach seems also to be in need, as better economic performance does not seem to reduce the perception of barriers among farmers.
Practical Impact: This on-going research suggests that in order to support organisation between farmers in rural communities, there is a need for complementary approaches to design public policy making. These approaches shall involve looking at individual actions and their contribution to collective development rather than the traditional approach focused on investing external resources
