Improving Performance of Rural Supply Chains Using Mobile Phones

Abstract

Ensuring availability of essential goods, such as medicines or vaccines, at the point of care in the villages is a significant challenge in rural supply chains. The crux of the problem lies in information asymmetry of supply and demand, as well as ad hoc distribution practices. These supply chains are not managed efficiently, and often information flows upstream in the chain in an incomplete, incorrect and untimely manner. This ultimately affects procurement and distribution decisions, consequently leading to stock outs of important goods at the point of care.