Performance Measurement Framework for the Potato Supply Chain in Kenya

Abstract

In Kenya, potato is the second most important food crop after maize in terms of production volumes. Potato makes an important contribution to food and nutrition security and rural incomes. Globally, potato ranks fourth as the most important crop after rice, wheat and corn. In the USA and Canada potato is considered the most important vegetable. Part of the reason why potato is so popular is that it can be eaten in very many forms. These forms include French fries, mashed potatoes, crisps, wedges and many other variations. Potato also contains vitamin C apart from starch and other minerals. In many cases, food or agricultural commodities are grown far away from the point of demand creating a huge supply chain management challenge. A proper supply chain in thus essential to address these challenges. This study sought to determine the applicability of the supply chain performance measurement model proposed by Aramyan, Ondersteijn, van Kooten, and Lansink (2005) for quantifying agri-food chains in Kenya. The focus was on the potato supply chain. In the model, the key measurement parameters are efficiency, flexibility, responsiveness and food quality. A descriptive research design was used to test the measurement framework and the population taken was the potato crisps processors in Nairobi. The study established that efficiency, flexibility, responsiveness and food quality are important in the performance of the potato supply chain. The study recommends a structured adoption of performance measurement for the potato supply chain. This can be achieved by designing effective performance dashboard based on the conceptual framework. This can be adapted to the context of the firms in question to be most effective as a tool for decision making and to provide overall visibility of the supply chain.