Title: Comparing conventional and certified organic cotton supply chains: the case of Mali

Authors: Salem Y. Lakhal, Hamadoun Sidibe, Souad H'Mida

Addresses: Faculty of Business Administration, University of Moncton, Moncton, NB E1A 3E9, Canada. ' Faculty of Business Administration, University of Moncton, Moncton, NB E1A 3E9, Canada. ' Faculty of Business Administration, University of Moncton, Moncton, NB E1A 3E9, Canada

Abstract: The certified organic cotton supply chain is compared to the conventional cotton supply chain in Mali. The most important differences between the two supply chains are highlighted in this study. Switching to organic production may offer a range of potential advantages to cotton farmers, including lower expenses for farm inputs, healthier soils, diverse sources of income, and higher prices. A comparison of the gross margins of both production methods indicates that Mali organic cotton may be able to offer higher gross margins than conventional cotton farming.

Keywords: green supply chain; gross margins; organic cotton; market coordination mechanisms; environmental impact; sustainable farming; supply chain management; SCM; cotton supply chain; Africa; Mali; sustainability; sustainable development; cotton farming.

DOI: 10.1504/IJARGE.2008.018328

International Journal of Agricultural Resources, Governance and Ecology, 2008 Vol.7 No.3, pp.243 - 255

Published online: 15 May 2008 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article