Implementing Standardized Quality Control Mechanisms to Mitigate Supply Chain Inefficiencies and Raw Material Quality Issues in Ethiopia’s Leather Sector

Abstract

The Ethiopian leather industry is one of the biggest pillars of the country’s manufacturing industry and is sustained by the large numbers of livestock providing hides and skins used to manufacture leather. Nevertheless, there are several issues affecting the quality of the leather and hence, hampering efficiency and performance. The flay cut problems, branding marks in hides and skins, infestation and contamination in the leather making processes caused by poor slaughter practices, inadequate storage and transport stages that cause significant financial losses and pose risks for quality failures in the leather value chain. This research seeks to the design and implementation of standardized quality control systems in addressing the prevailing issues in quality and leather supply chains in Ethiopia. Using mixed approach, to collect and analysed data from questionnaires to livestock producers, abattoirs, traders, collectors and tannery owners, key informant interviews, and value chain mapping, were used to diagnose major bottlenecks and causes of degradation. The results have revealed that weak quality monitoring, lack of coordination and poor compliance with standards of preservation among participants is the principal cause for system inefficiency and poor quality raw materials. Standardized quality control (SQC) mechanisms supported by digital technology allow real-time assessment and improve traceability, enhance the overall supply chain performance, and compliance to prescribed standards during handling of raw material. This study suggests that standard quality control is a practical and scalable remedy to improve raw material quality, boost tannery productivity and global competitiveness and is very useful for decision-makers in Ethiopia.

 Keywords: Digital Traceability, Standardized Quality Control, Supply Chain Efficiency, Raw Hide and Skin Quality, Industrial Competitiveness, Leather Value Chain