A method for comprehending and adapting complex supply chains in agriculture

Abstract

Success stories for applying supply chain methods to enhance agricultural industries are limited, despite their great potential. One key reason is that agricultural chains are subjected to the considerable managerial, social and biophysical complexity, which often leads to the inappropriate use of different methods. We capture supply chain complexity by formulating a matrix of biophysical by management factors. This is used to comprehend supply chain complexity and show how participants in agricultural chains can implement adaptation strategies that add value to their industry. Through various case studies we illustrate how adaptation strategies adopted by chain participants relate to different quadrants of the complexity matrix. An analysis of the literature based on this matrix also shows the suitability of different types of technical methods when used within adaptation strategies of each matrix quadrant. The complexity matrix aids the identification of the right strategies to use for the right problem through engagement with the right people.