Examining the Effectiveness of Supply Chain Efficiency and Value Addition on Profitability in Zambia’s Cassava Market: A Case Study of Kawambwa District

The study examined the impact of supply chain efficiency and value addition on the profitability of cassava farmers in Kawambwa District, Luapula Province, Zambia. Using a mixed-methods approach with 50 sampled respondents (farmers, processors, traders), the research analyzes three key dimensions: (1) post-harvest losses (PHL) and profit margins, (2) value-added processing (flour/starch) effects on income, and (3) transportation infrastructure’s role in accessing high-value markets. The study adopted a case study design, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches to collect detailed information from marketers, farmers, traders, and processors aged 18 years and above in Kawambwa District. A sample of 50 respondents was selected using simple random and stratified sampling to ensure representation of key stakeholders. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and face-to-face observations, complemented by secondary sources, and analyzed using thematic techniques. Triangulation was employed to enhance the credibility of findings, while strict ethical considerations, including informed consent, voluntary participation, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity, were observed. Limitations, such as the small sample size and occasional reluctance of participants to provide information, were mitigated through local contacts and careful data collection procedures. The study found that respondents were slightly more female (52.9%) than male (47.1%), predominantly young (54%), and largely rural (90%), with most having completed secondary education (40%). Married respondents accounted for 44% and singles 40%, indicating active household decision-makers engaged in agricultural activities.

These findings highlight the importance of improving equipment access, product quality, processing capacity, and market linkages to enhance farmer incomes and reduce post-harvest losses. It is recommended that interventions focus on expanding access to modern farming equipment and promoting value-added processing to increase household income and market competitiveness.