Logistics management and performance of government agricultural development programmes in Uganda: A case study of Kalangala Oil Palm Growers Trust

Abstract

Every company aims at gaining part in the growing global market and taking advantage of the advancement in technology which calls for the need for logistics management in operations to increase immensely as it has been established to positively or negatively impact in gaining competitive advantage and achievement of organisational objectives. Logistics management in the agricultural industry ensures the optimal and continuous flow of agro-goods from manufacturers/suppliers to producers and eventually to customers. The study examined the influence of logistics management and the performance of agricultural development programmes for government in Uganda basing on a case study of Kalangala Oil Palm Growers Trust (KOPGT). It was guided by the objectives to: examine how logistics planning influences the performance of KOPGT; examine how record keeping practices influence the performance of KOPGT; and assess how physical distribution influences the performance of KOPGT. The study adopted a phenomenological and positivist approach, mixed methods, cross sectional duration, and case study strategy. A sample size of 92 respondents and registered a response of 86 (93.4%). It used interviews, survey and document review as methods of data collection. Findings yielded regress value r = 0.845 with Adjusted R square at 0.712 which is an indication that 71.2% of the changes that do occur in performance is due to changes in logistics management. The test also revealed that KOPGT’slogistics management has a statistically significant positive relationship with performance and as such the null hypothesis was rejected. In conclusion, the study notes that the organisation to successfully manage its logistics activities, it requires careful, comprehensive monitoring, evaluation and planning by management. In recommendation, the study suggested logistics information systems be given adequate attention as this strategy is vital to timely customer feedback, information sharing and storage in the organization. It is also suggested that the organisation should give due attention in proper implementation logistics activities for efficient delivery of transportation, better warehouse management and inventory management in oil palm growing and production projects