Fiji's participation in the global coconut value chain: opportunities and challenges
Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies
ISSN: 2044-0839
Article publication date: 18 May 2020
Issue publication date: 6 July 2021
Abstract
Purpose
This paper explores the institutional challenges and opportunities in Fiji's integration into the global value chain. Fiji is naturally endowed with coconut palms across its many islands. However, the coconut sector remains rudimentary with little value-addition. Coconut products of high-value are now being produced and exported throughout the world. While many coconut producing countries have benefitted from this coconut demand surge, Fiji has been unable to benefit from the international market.
Design/methodology/approach
This study utilizes a mixed-methods approach to analyze the challenges and opportunities. First, an analysis is done on a macro-level at the link between institutional quality and Fiji's export of coconut products. Then, primary data is collected with semi-structured interviews with key stakeholder groups in regions of Fiji. The goal is to gain an understanding of the perceived challenges and opportunities from each actor.
Findings
The empirical results show that institutional quality matters for Fiji's coconut exports. Increased scores in the government effectiveness and voice and accountability indicators enhance coconut exports from Fiji, suggesting that domestic institutions play an important role. Interviews with key actors reveal that communications among each stakeholder group are fragmented. The main institutional actors and the producers have different perceptions of the industry's challenges, thus resulting in different ideas on how to address the issues.
Research limitations/implications
This study is limited by the data availability of coconut production and trade volume of more specific products. Furthermore, due to the transportation and weather constraints during our visit to Fiji, certain parts of the island were not accessible.
Originality/value
This paper uses a mixed-methods approach to assess a specific case study.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This study is funded by the “Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft”, German Research Foundtaion in the Research Training Group RTG 1666, GlobalFood and the “Centre de cooperation internationale en recherche agronomique pour le developpement” CIRAD. I would like to acknowledge and thank the Ministry of Agriculture of Fiji and the Pacific Community (SPC) for their assistance during my field visit.
Citation
Lin, J. (2021), "Fiji's participation in the global coconut value chain: opportunities and challenges", Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies, Vol. 11 No. 4, pp. 345-365. https://doi.org/10.1108/JADEE-12-2019-0208
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited