Supply chain management enablers, barriers and disruptions in the animal feed industry in the Western Cape Province of South Africa

Abstract

Background: The animal feed supply chain in South Africa is an important industry that has experienced numerous changes as it evolved. However, not much is known empirically about the dynamics of implementing supply chain management (SCM) in the animal feed industry in specific South African contexts. Objectives: This study investigates the SCM-related factors for growth (enablers), barriers and disruptions within the animal industry in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Method: This study used a qualitative method in which managers drawn from the animal feed industry in the Western Cape Province were interviewed. The collected data were examined using thematic analysis. Results: This study showed that the use of technology to achieve goals, bargaining power of the industry and unity, and procurement and supply chain strategy served as the main SCM enablers. The lack of infrastructure, ineffective change management, health and safety, nature of the industry, and skills and qualifications are the primary barriers hindering the effective implementation of SCM. Economic factors, natural disasters and diseases, and a lack of customer loyalty within the animal feed industry were the main SCM disruptions highlighted in the study. Conclusion: This study provides information regarding the factors (enablers) that deserve attention when developing interventions to improve the performance of the animal feed supply chain. The information on SCM barriers and disruptions is relevant when developing risk management initiatives in the animal feed industry.