Value chain analysis in the citrus agro-processing industry: A case study of the orange value chain process at Mazoe Citrus Estates in 2015

Abstract

Value Chain Analysis (VCA) has of late gained momentum in the agro processing industry in Zimbabwe. Production of citrus fruits is seasonal and the fruits are perishable in nature, hence citrus producers need to have a ready market to deliver their fruits before they go bad at a good price since the fruits cannot be harvested throughout the year. This research sought to analyse the value chain of oranges in Zimbabwe by identifying and mapping the value adding activities and processes that can be undertaken as well as identifying value added at each processing stage that the oranges pass through. A case study approach was undertaken for this research to map the oranges value chain as well as identifying the value added at each stage. Secondary data collection methods were used to collect the data. Collected data was analysed and presented using both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Findings revealed the value adding activities in processing oranges which were used as the basis for value chain mappings. Value added at each processing stage was identified through a careful analysis of the inbound and outbound values of oranges at each processing stage. Oranges gained value through washing and packing. The farm gate price is $0.10 per kg, after grading and packing the oranges were valued at $2.50 per kg. The study recommended that orange peels which are a by-product of processing oranges can undergo further additional value adding activities in the production of stock feeds enabling the organisation to gain more value