Digital Supply Chain Exploration (DSC) in Rural and Sub-Urban Livestock Ventures

Abstract

In both the domestic and global markets, the rapid development of the digital economy has become a major distraction. As well as middle economic units that bear business risks, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are also affected. Nonetheless, SMEs can take advantage of the disruption in order to compete with large, industrial businesses rather than invest overseas. Amidst a very gloomy economic climate, digitalization is considered one of the best alternatives and suggestions to ensure that businesses can survive. Agricultural and livestock sectors, especially micro-farmers in suburban and rural areas, have been hardest hit. As well as the challenges they have long faced with digitalization, the number of products they require has decreased drastically as well. From this point of departure, this study is conducted to assess the readiness of micro-farm entrepreneurs (MLEs) towards digitalization embrace digitalization and examine the impact of digital adoption on their business operations. A random sampling method was employed on the MLE in various sub-towns in Selangor, namely Kuala Selangor, Sabak Bernam and Hulu Selangor, from 2020 to 2021. Using the method of analysis, instruments are verified and coefficients tested. The results showed that MLEs are using digital platforms to promote their products and connect with their business ecosystem. In spite of this, they face the challenge of ensuring further improvements to their infrastructure and the capabilities of digitalization in contributing to value without posing high risks or costs. This study suggests that further studies have to look at and evaluated rural entrepreneurs using a triangulation approach of data and broader subjects.