Analysis Of The Performance Of Horticultural Exporters In Ethiopia: A Logistics Perspective
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Date
2020-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The central focus of this study was to find out the effect of logistics activities on the export
performance of the horticultural exporters. The study attempted to see the extent to which logistical
activities are affecting the horticultural export industry. It has tried to find out good and poor
practices of logistical activities in the horticultural export sector in Ethiopia. In the literature
review, various books were consulted on the theoretical aspect. Each of the main logistical activities
were explained in the theoretical literature review. As there were fewer researches conducted in the
topic in relation to Ethiopian context, a limited number of related researches were taken as an
example. The research method that was utilized in this study was qualitative by using in-depth
interviews. Most of the respondents were experts, owners and managers who were operating in the
industry 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 the
Horticulture exporters association was also involved in the interview. There were a significant
improvement in Ethiopia in facilitating logistical activities. Even though, the horticulture export
industry is small and young compared to other countries actively working in the industry,
significant problems in the industry persist. Some of the highlighted problems in the industry were a
lack of good quality packaging materials, lack of local ago-chemical suppliers and significantly
high raw material prices. Other issue raised were lack of spare-parts necessary to maintain cooling
systems along with qualified personnel, lack of reliable electricity supply in the country and limited
flight to Amsterdam. Incapacitated state institutes running the horticultural industry were also one
of the major problem highlighted by few interviewees.
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Keywords
Horticulture, Logistics, Performance, Floriculture, Export, Industry, Farm, Transport