An Analysis of Social Ties: Coffee Value Chain in Uganda

Abstract

Uganda is among the worlds’ largest coffee producers and exporters. Coffee production in Uganda has been a developing process over the last 60 years, with various players from the garden, home drying, factories, stores and exporters, and lastly at tables. This study investigates the nature and the different types of ties used for coffee development in Uganda. These ties form what is referred to as value chain which herein has been very paramount in the production and trade of coffee in Uganda. The study consisted of both qualitative and quantitative studies to find out the relationships existing between the different types of ties used in the coffee processes. The research used mutually regression and correlation approaches to analyze field data collected from the coffee farmer families, buyers and the regulators in Uganda. The findings illustrate a statistically significant relationship between family ties and coffee development, farm and firm ties, friendship ties and coffee development. The results established that weak ties are more beneficial than strong ties bearing in mind the development of coffee farming and production than the strong ties in Uganda. Further research needs to be directed on these networks in the coffee value chain, and appropriate solutions for its competitiveness and sector growth. Understanding connections which our study referred to as ties is very vital for the success of any business of sorts.