Unveiling Waste Patterns in Tea Smallholder Producer Supply Chains: A Case Study from a Developing Economy

The sustainable management of waste in supply chains is of utmost importance, particularly in the context of smallholder producers. This paper aims to unveil waste patterns in the supply chains of smallholder tea producers in Sri Lanka by employing an integrated approach that incorporates Value Chain Mapping (VCM), lean thinking, and Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM). The study investigates the complexities and interdependencies within the supply chains and identifies key waste generation points and factors contributing to waste in the context of the smallholder tea producer industry in Sri Lanka. The ISM methodology facilitates the development of a comprehensive framework that enables the devising and effective implementation of waste reduction strategies for the smallholder farming sector. The findings highlight root causes such as inadequate investment, regulatory gaps, technology limitations, and contract issues, which are identified as critical hindrances. Vulnerable waste drivers, including limited market access, reduced yield, compromised quality, and low replanting rates, underscore the significance of addressing these challenges through strengthened regulations, technology integration, and improved contracts. This, in turn, can enhance supply chain resilience and sustainability, promoting inclusive economic progress for smallholders and facilitating broader environmental sustainability in the smallholder farming sector.