Innovate, learn, sustain: unveiling dynamics of value addition in smallholder dairy farming

Abstract

Purpose

This study explores value-added food products in smallholder dairy farming in developing countries by analyzing external pressures, supply chain learning, farmer innovation, education level, and food safety compliance.

Design/methodology/approach

We employed a quantitative approach by surveying 418 smallholder dairy farmers in three districts of Pakistan using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Data analysis involved confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results indicate that external pressure significantly affects value-added smallholder dairy farms. This relationship is mediated by supply chain learning and farmers' innovative behavior, and moderated by farmers' education level and compliance with food safety standards.

Research limitations/implications

Further research is required to explore the drivers of value addition at the supply chain level.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the understanding of smallholder dairy farming dynamics and provides practical implications for improving value addition by managing the interplay between antecedents and promoting best practices in the industry.

Citation

Arshad, M.W., Moazzam, M., Raziq, M.M. and Ahmed, W. (2024), "Innovate, learn, sustain: unveiling dynamics of value addition in smallholder dairy farming", Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/JADEE-10-2023-0250