Improving governance arrangements for vegetable value chains in sub-Saharan Africa: the case of Bahir Dar, Ethiopia and Cotonou, Benin

Abstract Improved governance arrangements are central in strengthening value chains with sustainable, resilient farming and healthy nutrition. This study explored governance arrangements important to the vegetable value chains in Food System Labs in Bahir Dar (Ethiopia) and Cotonou (Benin). The study collected data through face-to-face interviews from different actors including input suppliers, producers, processors, wholesalers, retailers and from different supporting institutions such as credit organizations in the vegetable value chains in the two regions. The paper uses descriptive analysis for quantitative data, content analysis for qualitative data, and the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis method in the context of the indicator-based assessment framework to examine governance arrangements. Results indicate that multiple but also alternating modes of governance arrangements exist along the vegetables value chain. Spot market relations dominate at the successive stages of the value chain where different actors randomly interact at every transaction. Relational governance in terms of information sharing is notable among producers who attach high relevance to farmer associations as well as traders who largely trust and source information from amongst themselves. The value chains are typical of limited collaboration between actors coupled with weak processing skills. In addition, unconducive storage facilities undermine the potential of upgrading despite changing preferences and growing demand for vegetables. The study recommends development and strengthening of actor organizations such as cooperatives and associations, provision of an enabling environment where vegetable value chains can thrive, and national level efforts to develop post-harvest handling skills and infrastructure, as well as exploitation of last mile digitization initiatives to increase competitiveness of vegetable trade.