Exploring the potential of Z-commerce : a case study of a Zambian online agriculture market platform
Chiboma, Eugene (2024)
2024
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024121235321
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024121235321
Tiivistelmä
This thesis research explored the potential of Z-commerce, an online agricultural market platform concept for Zambia, aiming to transform the agricultural sector by connecting smallholder farmers directly with buyers. The research investigated the feasibility, benefits, and challenges of establishing this digital platform to address key issues including limited market access, inefficient distribution systems, and lack of price transparency.
Using a mixed-method approach, the research combined literature reviews, semi-structured interviews, surveys and secondary data analysis with a comprehensive feasibility analysis. The literature review examined e-commerce, digital transformation, existing agricultural marketplaces, smallholder empowerment, and technology adoption theories. The findings revealed strong market potential despite infrastructure challenges, with financial projections showing breakeven by Year 3 and 20%+ ROI by Year 5. While technical barriers like rural connectivity and digital literacy exist, opportunities in emerging technologies and strategic partnerships suggest transformative potential. Trust emerged as a critical factor, with adoption rates inversely correlating to distance from urban centres.
Using a mixed-method approach, the research combined literature reviews, semi-structured interviews, surveys and secondary data analysis with a comprehensive feasibility analysis. The literature review examined e-commerce, digital transformation, existing agricultural marketplaces, smallholder empowerment, and technology adoption theories. The findings revealed strong market potential despite infrastructure challenges, with financial projections showing breakeven by Year 3 and 20%+ ROI by Year 5. While technical barriers like rural connectivity and digital literacy exist, opportunities in emerging technologies and strategic partnerships suggest transformative potential. Trust emerged as a critical factor, with adoption rates inversely correlating to distance from urban centres.