Research on World Agricultural Economy

Inclusive Agri-Entrepreneurship and Supply Chain Development: A Systematic Literature Review of Smallholder Farmer Integration

Dr

Department of Business Management, Faculty of Commerce, Administration and Law, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa

Charles Tsikada

Tsikada

Dr

   

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36956/rwae.v7i2.2580

Received: 3 August 2025; Published: 10 April 2026

Abstract

More than 80% of farms worldwide are smallholders, making them crucial for food security. Moreover, smallholder farming creates employment and enhances rural development, necessitating their integration into high-value and sustainable agriculture supply chains. Despite their importance, institutional, financial, technological, and structural constraints continue to hinder their incorporation into high-value agriculture supply chains. Thus, the overall purpose of this study is to examine the mechanisms for smallholder inclusion in agricultural value chains and propose an improved hybrid model based on existing literature. The models used to incorporate smallholder farmers into agricultural value chains are examined in this study through a systematic literature review (SLR) using the PRISMA 2020 methodology. A thorough screening process using databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar resulted in the selection of 25 peer-reviewed articles and institutional reports published between 2008 and 2025. The study employed thematic analysis and qualitative meta-analysis to identify key patterns, including financial barriers, infrastructure deficits, and digital exclusion. Findings indicate that the most common inclusion models are farmer cooperatives, out-grower schemes, and contract farming, which promote market access, collective bargaining, and input provision. However, these models are often limited by poor infrastructure, low digital literacy, and restricted access to finance. The study proposes a hybrid model that combines market access, input support, and collective action from existing inclusion mechanisms with digital tools for coordination, pricing, and traceability. The study concludes that effective integration of smallholder farmers into high-value agricultural supply chains can be achieved through a hybrid model that merges inclusive strategies with digital technologies to overcome barriers and ensure sustainable, equitable participation. Future research should explore digital agri-tech impacts, gender-sensitive integration, and policy frameworks supporting inclusive agri-entrepreneurship in South Africa and other developing regions.

Keywords: Smallholder Farmers; Agricultural Value Chains; Inclusive Agri‑Entrepreneurship; Hybrid Integration Models; Collective Action Theory

References