Abstract

Strategic networks of agricultural suppliers for the creation of value added are an interesting field of research in the developing countries. Indeed, various scientific works were interested with social networks as well as on their members’ relationship and on their management. However, social networks as strategic suppliers are able to solve SME’s supply credit problems; the need to analyze networks with a view to creating added value for members of these networks remains less examined in literature. To understand the place of the networks in SMEs, a method of content analysis was used to analyze the data collected which included five focus groups of 8 people and twelve interviews. Most participants are producers / suppliers of cassava and shea nuts. The results show that supplier networks allow members to increase their revenues and also improve their skill level.

Key words: Supplier networks, added-value, income, welfare.