Influence of Cold Chain Management on Supply Chain Performance in the Kenya Horticultural Export Sector

Darius Chola  Maganga

doi:10.61250/ssmj/v1.i3.1

Authors

Darius Chola Maganga School of Business, Technical University of Mombasa Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61250/ssmj/v1.i3.1

Keywords:

Cold Chain Management, Horticultural Exports, Supply Chain Performance, Temperature Control, Cold Chain Infrastructure

Abstract

The study sought to establish the influence of cold chain management on supply chain performance in Kenya horticultural export sector. It was guided by three objectives: to assess the influence of cold chain infrastructure, to examine the role of temperature control, and to determine the effect of cold chain personnel on supply chain performance. A descriptive research design was adopted, and data were collected from key stakeholders in the horticultural export sector. The findings revealed that cold chain infrastructure (r = 0.712, p < 0.05), temperature control (r = 0.728, p < 0.05), and cold chain personnel competence (r = 0.693, p < 0.05) all had significant positive effects on supply chain performance. Collectively, the three variables explained 64.2% of the variation in supply chain performance (R² = 0.642). The study concluded that investing in modern infrastructure, ensuring effective temperature regulation, and enhancing personnel skills are critical in improving efficiency and competitiveness in horticultural exports. It recommended that exporters strengthen cold chain facilities, adopt advanced monitoring technologies, and prioritize staff training to minimize postharvest losses and enhance global market competitiveness.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Ambaw, A., Hoang, H. M., Mahajan, P. V., & Opara, U. L. (2022). Emerging cold chain technologies for developing economies: A review of solar-powered solutions and their potential in African agriculture. Journal of Food Engineering, 314, 110745.

Ambwa, A. (2022). Regional competitiveness in horticultural exports: A review of cold chain investment strategies in East Africa. African Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development, 14(2), 78–92.

Aung, M. M., & Chang, Y. S. (2022). Temperature control in perishable food supply chains: Impacts on quality and performance. Journal of Supply Chain Management, 58(1), 24–39.

Chebet, E., Kitheka, S., Hood, A., & Kamau, C. (2024). Influence of Portfolio Approach on Purchasing Consortia at the County Referral Hospitals in the Coast Region, Kenya. Journal of Procurement & Supply Chain, 8(3), 27–37. DOI: https://doi.org/10.53819/81018102t5324

Chikozho, C., Nel, A., & Musvoto, W. (2021). Cold chain resilience in South Africa's citrus export supply chain: Challenges and coping strategies. African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, 13(4), 505–515.

Githinji, J. K., & Njeru, M. T. (2023). Systems thinking in perishable logistics: Applying systems theory to Kenyan export supply chains. East African Journal of Business and Economics, 5(3), 102–119.

Horticultural Crops Directorate. (2023). Horticulture validated report 2022. Agriculture and Food Authority. https://www.agricultureauthority.go.ke

Kimani, D. W., & Mwangi, P. N. (2024). Feedback loops and performance optimization in cold chain systems: A systems theory perspective. Kenya Journal of Logistics and Supply Chain, 8(1), 45–61.

Kitinoja, L., & Kader, A. A. (2022). Developing capacity for cold chain logistics in Africa: Training, infrastructure, and temperature control. Postharvest Education Foundation Reports, 6(2), 33–48.

Kitinoja, L., & Kader, A. A. (2023). Postharvest training and services center model for cold chain capacity building in Africa. International Journal of Postharvest Technology and Innovation, 5(2), 145–160.

Lambert, D. M., & Cooper, M. C. (2022). Supply chain management and the role of systemic coordination: Expanding systems theory applications. International Journal of Logistics Management, 33(1), 1–19.

Louw, A. (2023). Cold chain logistics and postharvest losses in Sub-Saharan Africa: Infrastructure, transport, and export outcomes. Journal of African Agribusiness Studies, 7(1), 54–70.

Louw, A., Jordaan, D., Ndanga, L., & Kirsten, J. (2017). Agricultural cold chains in South Africa: Emerging practices for competitive horticulture exports. South African Journal of Agricultural Extension, 45(1), 24–36.

Ministry of Trade and Industrialization. (2023). Annual horticultural sector performance report 2022/2023. Government of Kenya.

Munir, A., van der Vorst, J. G., & van Beek, P. (2021). Performance evaluation of cold chain logistics using simulation: A case study in Dutch fresh produce exports. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 186, 106185.

Mutale, M., & Mutono-Mwanza, B. G. (2024). The Effects of Industry 4.0 Technologies on Supply Chain Management Performance: A Case Study of DHL Zambia. African Journal of Commercial Studies, 5(2), 80-106. DOI: https://doi.org/10.59413/ajocs/v5.i.2.4

Muthoni, L., & Wangari, M. (2020). Cold chain management practices and export performance of flower firms in Nairobi County, Kenya. International Journal of Supply Chain and Operations Management, 4(2), 35–50.

Ndraha, N., Hsiao, H. I., Vlajic, J. V., & Luning, P. A. (2023). Cold chain performance indicators and supply chain efficiency in perishable food exports. International Journal of Logistics Management, 34(1), 122–138.

Sotelo, J., Robles, C., & Melgarejo, J. (2021). Cold chain integration for fresh horticultural exports: A global perspective on logistics optimization. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 26(6), 726–739.

Stellenboom, H., Driessen, P., & Vermeulen, W. (2022). Transition to sustainable cooling in Dutch cold chain logistics: Environmental policies and firm innovation. Journal of Cleaner Production, 337, 130430.

von Bertalanffy, L. (1950). An outline of general system theory. The British Journal for the Philosophy of Science, 1(2), 134–165. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/bjps/I.2.134