Logistics in the horticulture supply chain in Latin America and the Caribbean

Fonseca, J.M.  ;Vergara, N.

Logistics in the horticulture supply chain in Latin America and the Caribbean

Regional report based on five country assessments and findings from regional workshops

Year of publication 2015

Pages 82 p. : col. diagrs., tables

Author Fonseca, J.M. ;Vergara, N.

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Book (stand-alone)

ISBN 978-92-5-108819-7

Edition 1

Full item page

Synopsis (short abstract) Today, logistics systems and management are considered key for the growth of the perishable food sector, and particularly for those supply chains that involve smallholders. However, there is limited information on the state of logistics systems for food products in most non-industrialized countries. The present report seeks to help fill this gap by providing information on logistics in the produce subsector of five countries in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region. The methodology used t o develop the report includes: (i) country appraisals, with fieldwork and desk study; (ii) an expert meeting to discuss findings in the appraisals; (iii) a symposium with experts from the Caribbean subregion; and (iv) subsequent integration of all findings, with background information and an overall analysis. The document describes the general principles used to determine the performance of logistics systems and highlights key limitations of logistics in produce supply chains. Identified challen ges are described, taking into consideration supply chains with involvement of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). A subsequent discussion reveals logistics failures and recommends priorities for action depending on the scenario in each country.

Language English

Related items

Showing items related by metadata.

Brochure, flyer, fact-sheet
Responding to the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on food value chains through efficient logistics 2020

Also available in:

Arabic
Chinese
French
Russian
Spanish

Measures implemented around the world to contain the COVID-19 pandemic have entailed a severe reduction not only in the transportation of goods and services that rely on transport, but also in the migration of labour domestically and internationally. Workers are less available reflecting both disruptions in transportation systems and restrictions to stop the transmission of the disease, within and across borders. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) urges countries to maintain functioning food value chains to avoid food shortages, following practices that are being proven to work. This note summarizes some practices that could be useful for governments and the private sector to maintain critical logistical elements in food value chain.
Brochure, flyer, fact-sheet

Responding to the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on food value chains through efficient logistics
FSN Forum report of activity No. 166
2020

Also available in:

No results found.

This document summarizes the online discussion Responding to the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on food value chains through efficient logistics held on the FAO Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition (FSN Forum) from 4 June to 6 July 2020. The discussion was facilitated by Marco V. Sánchez, Deputy Director of the Agrifood Economics Division of FAO. This online discussion invited participants to share how the measures aimed at curbing the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted the logistics of food value chains in their respective countries. Participants discussed which measures have been put in place regarding value chains, and how the post-pandemic phase is being approached. Some contributors also shared observations and ideas on logistics and value chain dynamics in the context of the COVID-19 crisis more broadly.
Book (series)

The resilience of domestic transport networks in the context of food security – A multi-country analysis
Background paper for The State of Food and Agriculture 2021
2021

Also available in:

No results found.

Transport infrastructure and logistics, not least domestic food transport networks, are an integral part of agrifood systems, and play a fundamental role in ensuring physical access to food. However, the resilience of these networks has rarely been studied. This study fills this gap and analyses the structure of food transport networks for a total of 90 countries, as well as their resilience through a set of indicators. Findings show that where food is transported more locally and where the network is denser, systematic disturbances have a much lower impact. This is mostly the case for high-income countries, as well as for densely populated countries like China, India, Nigeria and Pakistan. Conversely, low-income countries have much lower levels of transport network resilience, although some exceptions exist. The study further simulates the effect of potential disruptions – namely floods – to food transport networks in three countries. The simulation illustrates the loss of network connectivity that results when links become impassable, potentially affecting millions of people. Overall, this study provides a first geospatial framework to represent and model national food transport network resilience at a global scale considering not only local production and consumption, but also international trade. It has established a new toolkit for measuring resilience, which promises further use and applications beyond this study.