Application of Traceability in the Fresh Fruits and Vegetable Supply Chain in Zambia.

Lombe Chomba

Master's thesis

Abstract:

The agri-food supply chain is crucial for the production, distribution, and consumption of agricultural products worldwide. However, challenges such as lack of transparency, inefficiencies, and food safety concerns persist. Traceability is used to ensure product safety by tracking the product from farm to fork. Although there have been some studies on traceability in the food supply chain in Zambia, the existing literature particularly on traceability in the fresh fruits and vegetable supply chain is limited. This research aims to examine the current state of traceability practices in the fresh fruits and vegetables (FFVs) supply chain in Zambia. The study revealed six major processes and the key actors involved in this supply chain. The study also highlights two distinct marketing channels for FFV: formal and informal. The degree of traceability implementation in the formal horticultural supply chain varies across different entities, with some demonstrating robust systems and certifications while others show room for improvement. The informal channel relies on verbal communication and memory, posing challenges in ensuring reliability and scalability. The study suggests using modern technologies, such as barcodes, RFID tags, IoT, and blockchain, as well as traditional methods, such as community-led record-keeping. The obstacles to traceability include high costs, regulatory and policy gaps, and limited resources and capacity. The study suggests investing in scalable and cost-effective traceability solutions, advocating for government support, grants, or incentives, providing financial support and incentives, developing and enforcing clear traceability regulations and standards, providing training and capacity-building, and conducting awareness campaigns and educational programs.

Keywords

Agri-Food Supply Chain, Food Safety, Food Quality, Traceability, Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 26. 4. 2024

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 23. 5. 2024
• Supervisor: prof. Gianluca Brunori, Ph.D.
• Reader: Miroslava Bavorová, Ph.D.

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources

Master programme:
Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security