Date of Conferral

7-3-2025

Degree

Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)

School

Business Administration

Advisor

Amanda Wink

Abstract

Jamaican Blue Mountain (JBM) coffee farmers often fail to improve production, which has the potential for adverse business outcomes. Farmers and business owners are concerned about the sustainability of their farm operations, which is essential for achieving profitability. Grounded in Hawley’s risk theory of profit, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to identify and explore effective strategies that JBM coffee farmers used to achieve profitability. The participants were six JBM coffee farm owners in the Jamaican coffee industry who used effective strategies to achieve profitability. Data were collected using semistructured interviews and a review of organizational marketing materials and financial reports. Through thematic analysis, five themes were identified: (a) improve and increase production and productivity, (b) sustainable farmgate price, (c) implement agronomic best practices, (d) supportive institutional framework, and (e) preventing praedial larceny. A key recommendation is for coffee farm owners to collaborate on training in sustainable practices to improve marketing and enhance security. The implications for positive social change include the potential for coffee farm owners and industry leaders to enhance incomes and provide stable employment opportunities for workers, improving living standards for farmers, their communities, and the broader economy.

Download

Share

 
COinS