Modern supply chains, social networks, and income effects among blackberry farmers in the Ecuadorian Andes

The modernization of agricultural supply chains in developing countries has created new and potentially more profitable marketing opportunities for farmers. At the same time, farmers are increasingly challenged by the stringent and more complex requirements demanded in such chains. Our study of the Ecuadorian blackberry sectors shows that farmer’s integration into social networks is a significant determinant of participation in modern supply chains. Further empirical evidence suggests that participation in such chains is not related to an increase in farm or household income as the majority of prior studies has indicated. Our findings reveal important implications for managers and policy-makers