Green supply chain management practices and sustainable performance of agricultural value chain organizations in Kisii county, Kenya

Abstract

The agricultural sector plays a vital role in the economy, yet it faces increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices in response to environmental degradation, climate change, and market demands. This study examined the effect of green supply chain management practices on the sustainable performance of agricultural value chain organizations in Kisii County. Specifically, the study focused on green sourcing, green production, reverse logistics, and green distribution, and evaluated their effect on sustainable performance of agricultural value chain using environmental, social, and economic indicators. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population was 84 respondents from agricultural value chain organizations. These respondents involve agricultural value chain officers and agribusiness officers who had knowledge of production, processing, distribution, and retailing of selected value chains including bananas, avocados, coffee, dairy products and chicken within Kisii County. The sample size was 84 respondents. The study adopted a census technique to ensure proper representative inclusion of various categories of agricultural value chain organizations in Kisii County. The data collection instrument for this study was structured questionnaires. Pilot study was conducted in Kisii using 8 respondents represent 10% of the sample 84. The study used descriptive statistics and inferential statistics to analyze collected data. Multiple regression analysis was used in determining the strength of relationship between variables. The results were presented in Tables and figures. The study established that green supply chain management practices comprising of green sourcing, green production, reverse logistics, and green distribution positively and significantly correlated with sustainable performance of agricultural value chain firms in Kisii County. Additionally, the study established that the green supply chain management practices positively and significantly affects the sustainable performance of agricultural value chain firms. The study concluded that enhancing the various aspects of green sourcing, green production, reverse logistics, and green distribution contributes to enhanced levels of sustainable performance of the firms. The study recommended that the agricultural value chain firms in Kisii County should consistently integrate green sourcing, green production, reverse logistics, and green distribution practices to enhance competitiveness, reduce costs, and achieve long-term sustainable performance. This can be achieved through adoption of sustainable procurement, eco-friendly production, structured waste management, and efficient distribution systems. The findings of the study are of significant to agricultural value chain organizations, policy makers and academicians.