Theses & Dissertations
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Theses and dissertations of postgraduate students of the NUST
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Browsing Theses & Dissertations by Subject "Agriculture - Namibia"
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Item An investigation into the weaknesses of the Namibian domestic fresh produce supply chain.(2014) Sahanga, Tinarwo V.This study focused on how the Namibian fresh produce supply chain can be transitioned from imported to domestic oriented procurement. The problem of the study was to identify the missing link in the supply chain of fresh produce in Namibia. The primary research objective of the study was to assess the Namibian fresh supply chain transition from imported to domestic oriented procurement. The study utilized qualitative approach research design and used qualitative methods of data analysis. The study used the logic model approach of case study analysis in analysing the collected data. The major findings that emerged from this research showed thematic areas that indicate that there is much that needs to be done in order to have the Namibian fresh produce supply chain to be transitioned from imported to domestic oriented procurement. The thematic themes that emerged in this research revolve around involvement of the government of Namibia in the supply chain of fresh produce in both domestic and international markets. The overall opinion of the respondents who participated in this research indicated that fresh farm produce retailers should promote contract farming as well as locally produced farm products as compared to imported fresh farm produce. It also emerged that imported fresh farm produce are of low quality due to transportation problems. The respondents believed that if subsidies are provided, and the private sector is incubated into mainstream fresh farm production, this will enhance and shape the fresh farm produce supply chain. The majority of respondents supported government initiatives through policy frame works that are tailor made to support domestic production, like the Market Share Promotion Program. A further research with a change of methodology and widening of scope to cover a larger population would be recommended.Item An investigation of the supply chain challenges faced by small scale crop farmers at Etunda Irrigation Farm in Namibia.(2014) Mumbala, GustafThe investigation of the supply chain challenges faced by small scale farmers at Etunda irrigation farm is the core of this study. The main rationale for the investigation is the fact that Green Scheme projects, of which Etunda is one of them, is one of the key economic development and diversification focus areas highlighted in Namibia’s fourth national development plan (NDP_4). The farming operations at Etunda are heavily dependent on logistical services for production inputs and post-harvest and marketing activities. The Government of the Republic of Namibia continues to make tremendous investment in the Green Scheme’s production, logistics and marketing infrastructure, yet, the small scale farmers are struggling to transform from subsistence to fully commercial farming practices. This study found that the high cost of inputs, lack of inputs, limited flow of inputs, lack of suitable storage facilities and transportation services, lack of market access, lack of management skills, and lack of training are the main supply chain challenges faced by small scale farmers at Etunda irrigation farm. The findings are of qualitative nature and thus not meant to provide the quantifiable results which can be better attained by a qualitative study or else the combination of both qualitative and quantitative studies. Nevertheless, the study addresses the key research objective which is simply to identify the supply chain challenges as observed and experienced by the stakeholders. Furthermore, it emerged that, the effects of these challenges transcend down the food chain and therefore should not be addressed in isolation because they are of a supply chain nature. The case-study research method backed up by semi-structured interviews were used to gather the empirical data in the Etunda supply chain.