THE CONTRIBUTION OF EFFECTIVE SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT TO THE QUALITY OF EXPORT VEGETABLES IN UGANDA: MUBUKU GROWERS ASSOCIATION, KASESE DISTRICT UGANDA

Abstract

This study was premised on the assumption that quality of export vegetables at Mubuku Growers Association could be predicted by effective supply chain management with three factors; effective procurement management, effective information management and effective logistics management. The study was guided by three objectives, three corresponding research questions and three hypotheses. The study adopted a case study (research) design that used both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data were collected both from primary and secondary sources which included filled in questionnaires by respondents through interviews, online journals and book reviews. A sample size of 76 farmers derived from the population was drawn and 3 focus group discussions. The response rate was 100% because farmers met at pack-house during the delivery of their produce; this therefore made it easy for the researcher to interview all the respondents. The survey instruments had an overall reliability coefficient of 6 determined using the cronbach Alpha. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics utilizing percentages; correlation and regression analysis was also used. The study empirically established that there is a positive and significant correlation between effective procurement management, effective information management, effective logistics management and quality of export vegetables. The test using Pearson correlation analysis returned a result of (r = 0.306, p<0.01) for effective procurement management, (r = 0.402, p<0.01) for effective information management and (r = 0.27, p<0.05) for effective logistics management. The strength of the relationship was statistically significant at 0.05 level of significance. The study concluded that effective supply chain management contributes to the quality of export vegetables. . Recommendations adopted from the study findings are provided in chapter five with the hope that effective procurement management, effective information management and effective logistics management get due consideration.