Strategies for Catalyzing Business Innovation in Small-Scale Agribusinesses in Southern Africa

Strategies for Catalyzing Business Innovation in Small-Scale Agribusinesses in Southern Africa by Golden Mahove MBA, Zimbabwe Open University, 2005 EDP, University of Zimbabwe, 2000 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University April 2019 Abstract Agribusiness leaders in emerging economies require effective business model innovation strategies to succeed in closing innovation gaps and increasing market share in the growing smallholder farmers’ market. Small agribusiness seed companies in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe in southern Africa often face the challenge of closing the innovation gap in the smallholders’ market, resulting in small-scale seed companies missing 90% of the smallholder farmers’ seed market segment. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore strategies that small agribusiness seed company leaders used to close innovation gaps in smallholders’ markets. The conceptual framework was based on the business model innovation(BMI). Ten agribusiness seed company executives selected for their innovations in smallholder markets shared their experiences with and insights into strategies that they successfully designed and implemented in closing innovation gaps in the smallholders’ market. Data were collected using semistructured interviews. The data analysis process followed De Massis and Kotlar’s 5-phase analysis cycle: from interview responses analysis to member checkingAgribusiness leaders in emerging economies require effective business model innovation strategies to succeed in closing innovation gaps and increasing market share in the growing smallholder farmers’ market. Small agribusiness seed companies in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe in southern Africa often face the challenge of closing the innovation gap in the smallholders’ market, resulting in small-scale seed companies missing 90% of the smallholder farmers’ seed market segment. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore strategies that small agribusiness seed company leaders used to close innovation gaps in smallholders’ markets. The conceptual framework was based on the business model innovation(BMI). Ten agribusiness seed company executives selected for their innovations in smallholder markets shared their experiences with and insights into strategies that they successfully designed and implemented in closing innovation gaps in the smallholders’ market. Data were collected using semistructured interviews. The data analysis process followed De Massis and Kotlar’s 5-phase analysis cycle: from interview responses analysis to member checking and a review of documents on seed businesses and BMI. Three themes emerged from the data analysis: seed production model, product and market differentiation, and value chain partnerships. The implications of this study for social change are that the results could improve food and nutrition security for more than 51 million impoverished smallholder farmers throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. Strategies for Catalyzing Business Innovation in Small-Scale Agribusinesses in Southern Africa by Golden Mahove MBA, Zimbabwe Open University, 2005 EDP, University of Zimbabwe, 2000 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University April 2019 Dedication I dedicate this doctoral study to my wife Nontsikelelo, our daughters Vimbai, Tshiamo and Grace, and my young brother Dee for believing in me and encouraging me through those long study hours. In particular, I would like to thank my wife for offering me the support and encouragement I needed to pursue and sustain a doctorate in business model innovation. You gave me that extra level of support and confidence to step out and use my doctoral study to pursue consulting work in business model innovation while studying for my doctorate. I always want to thank my parents and in-laws for encouraging me and sharing your concern for the long sleepless nights I dedicated to my doctoral studies. I would also like to dedicate the study to the several agribusiness seed company participants in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe who were kind enough to share their business insights as innovators in smallholders’ market. Above all, I would like to thank Jesus for giving me the strength and wisdom I required to embark on this study and think of the study for how it fits into my calling and service to human kind. I would also like to thank Dr. Tich Tanyanyiwa, Ps Nevil Norden, Dr. Chuck Day, my spiritual fathers who gave me encouragement and support to pursue my calling to use business models as a ministry in the marketplace to deliver social impact. Dr. Goitse Perry, thank you for your encouraging support. Lastly but not least, Ps Jeph Mahove, thank you for maintaining the brotherly and spiritual support to me. Acknowledgments My first honor of gratitude goes to my Chair, Dr. Matthew Knight, for his meticulous attention to detail and authentic approach to my doctoral study as a coach, cheer leader, and a constant source of encouragement. You lit a fire in me to become a better version of myself as a scholar-practitioner. Second, I would like to thank Dr. Mike Campo, my Second Committee Member for your fresh insights on innovation and scholastic support and encouragement. Third, I would like to thank Dr. C for challenging me to think about how I would use the doctorate prompting me to run a private consulting practice as a career of choice while still undertaking my studies. Fourth, I have several faculty members to thank for shaping me through different courses. I also owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Rufaro Madakadze and Dr. Joe DeVries at AGRA, Mike Kubansky of Omidyar Network, Dr. Roy Steiner of the Rockefeller Foundation, Clement Mtengula, Jack Chongola, and Mweene Kapaamba for your support and encouragement. I would also like to acknowledge fellow students who generously shared their knowledge, experiences and were a constant source of encouragement. In particular I would like to thank Tysha Tolefree for being a buddy of mine and working through the doctoral journey with me every step of the way from doctoral mentoring and academic residence two to doctoral completion. More importantly, my family has been a vanguard of support from the first day to the last day. Thank you for affording me the space I needed to dedicate time required to excel in this doctoral programme. To my wife, Nontsikelelo Precious, thank you for your loving support and joining me on this journey as I pass on the doctoral torch to you.