Analysis Of The Performance Of Horticultural Exporters In Ethiopia A Logistics Perspective

The central focus of this study was to find out the effect of logistics activities on the exportrnperformance of the horticultural exporters. The study attempted to see the extent to which logisticalrnactivities are affecting the horticultural export industry. It has tried to find out good and poorrnpractices of logistical activities in the horticultural export sector in Ethiopia. In the literaturernreview, various books were consulted on the theoretical aspect. Each of the main logistical activitiesrnwere explained in the theoretical literature review. As there were fewer researches conducted in therntopic in relation to Ethiopian context, a limited number of related researches were taken as anrnexample. The research method that was utilized in this study was qualitative by using in-depthrninterviews. Most of the respondents were experts, owners and managers who were operating in thernindustry for over a decade. In order to make the study complete and representative of all the subsectors, interviewees were selected from flower, vegetable and fruit exporters. An expert from thernHorticulture exporters association was also involved in the interview. There were a significantrnimprovement in Ethiopia in facilitating logistical activities. Even though, the horticulture exportrnindustry is small and young compared to other countries actively working in the industry,rnsignificant problems in the industry persist. Some of the highlighted problems in the industry were arnlack of good quality packaging materials, lack of local ago-chemical suppliers and significantlyrnhigh raw material prices. Other issue raised were lack of spare-parts necessary to maintain coolingrnsystems along with qualified personnel, lack of reliable electricity supply in the country and limitedrnflight to Amsterdam. Incapacitated state institutes running the horticultural industry were also onernof the major problem highlighted by few interviewees.

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