Horizontal collaborative communication and operational performance of smallholder farmer’s groups in horticultural supply chain in Tanzania

This paper examines the relationship between horizontal collaborative communication and operational performance of smallholder farmer’s groups downstream of the horticultural supply chain. This was motivated by an increase in postharvest loss and high transaction cost especially in downstream of horticultural supply chain. Using social exchange theory, the study examines the relationship explained. Quantitative data were used to collect data using self-administered questionnaire to 195 horticultural smallholder farmer’s groups in southern highland regions including Mbeya, Iringa, Njombe and Songwe. The Questionnaires were administered to a group leader or a member from each of the selected smallholder farmer’s group. Data were analyzed using SMART –PLS 4 and the findings show a positive and significant relationship between horizontal collaborative information sharing i.e. information sharing and information quality and operational performance of smallholder farmer’s groups in horticultural supply chain. The government and policymakers are advised to formulate policies in the agricultural domain on horizontal collaborative communication that contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Number 17 as well as to align with the strategic objectives outlined by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in 2018, to reduce postharvest losses by 2030 and enhance the operational performance of the food supply chain. Furthermore, there is a need for other stakeholders to provide suitable training opportunities to reap the benefits of horizontal collaborative communication which will assists smallholder farmer's groups to improve their operational performance.