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Value Chain Approach And Actor Network Theory

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Why use the Value Chain Approach and Actor Network Theory (ANT)
Value chains traditionally are those farmers can easily access. To comprehend complexities involved in value chain a qualitative approach termed value chain analysis approach was used. The approach is descriptive and allows linkage analysis of the farmer with different actors that are part of the Ziziphus mauritiana chain. Inter-mediators or the middlemen buy Ziziphus mauritiana from rural peasants in Muzarabani. The middlemen also sale Ziziphus mauritiana to each other. However, most of the Ziziphus mauritiana end up in the hands of bigger traders from markets like Mbare Musika of Harare in Zimbabwe. The value chain analysis approach used has an array of advantages. Different …show more content…

The socio-technical world is well explained (Langanki 2014). Especially, when local production of spirits from Ziziphus mauritiana (kachasu) is explained. Actor Network Theory acts as an eye opener. It gives a conceptual framework to the understanding of Ziziphus mauritiana value chain.
What about Power relation relations issue in Actor Network Theory?
Power relation are criticised to ANT approach. However in contrast ANT observed power being in action. The linkages and Network power are recognised through ideas for undertaking perceptions actions and opinions. Actors have voices and act as agencies. ANT emphasises use on interactive power than the physical power. The concept of ANT is aligned to each network and provided a radical approach to the discourse and other non-human actors are treated as actors.
Actor Network Theory is used as a methodology for the study of the of the Ziziphus mauritiana value chain. The value chain is viewed as an assemblage of networks. Being a theory and a methodological approach ANT endeavours to develop analysis tools on focal actor, thats try to control other actors. ANT can be used to shape the theoretical framework, hence enhancing the flexibility of the developed

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