Supermarkets in the food supply systems in Southern African development community : a case study of Zambia

Abstract

This study evaluated how supermarkets procurement practices in the fresh fruits and vegetables and processed products such as dairy impact on local producers in Zambia. The results showed that supermarkets procured approximately 60% of FFV from local farmers, though the bulk of these are from large-scale farms. Products not produced in the host countries were imported from South Africa and other countries. Specific constraints on small-scale farmers are discussed. Government involvement in the supply chain in terms of setting policies and regulatory frameworks are important in determining the type of procurement systems that develop and whether local producers especially small-scale farmers and processors access and supply to supermarkets.