Supply chain of backyard agricultural products

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to analyze the backyard agricultural production system with a logistical focus, assuming that the knowledge of the links that make up the supply chain will contribute to developing productive and operational strategies that link backyard producers with short agro-food chains.

Design/methodology/approach: The case study of the highly marginalized localities and indigenous presence of the municipalities of Chontla and Tempoal, Veracruz is presented. The supply chain of backyard agricultural products was analyzed from a generic model identifying the products, furthermore making an annualized economic projection. The information was collected with opportunity sampling through surveys of backyard producers, intermediaries, retail and wholesale marketers, municipal agents, and local authorities.

Results: Five echelons define the backyard agricultural products supply chain of the case study: raw materials production, processing, manufacturing, product presentation, and the final consumer. It has a semi-structured marketing scheme between traditional and short commercialization circuits. Four opportunity areas were identified: non-standardized product processing, inappropriate storage conditions, production records absence, and poor distribution and marketing channels.

Limitations on study/implications: The annualized economic projection indicated that 35.8% of the products are destined for self-consumption, 21.2% are commercialized in local and municipal markets, and 43% of the production is not commercialized.

Findings/conclusions: This study proposes to locate strategically (in each municipality) collection, and distribution centers for backyard agricultural products to reduce the amount of non-commercialized products and link backyard agricultural producers in short agri-food chains and thereby contribute to strengthening the local economy.