Analysis of the Robusta coffee value chain in Cu Kuin District, Dak Lak Province

Abstract: This study analyzes the Robusta coffee value chain in Cu Kuin District, Dak Lak Province, with the aim of assessing its operating structure, quantifying value added, examining profit distribution, and proposing strategies for chain upgrading. The study applies the value chain framework of Kaplinsky and Morris (2001) and combines it with a survey of 114 stakeholders, including farmers, traders, processors, exporters, and experts, to conduct value chain economic analysis and SWOT analysis. The findings identify six groups of actors and five distribution channels. Channel 1, which is associated with processing and the consumption of final products, generates the highest value added, at VND 268.27 thousand per kilogram, but accounts for only 4.3% of total output. In contrast, Channel 5, which is primarily associated with raw coffee exports, accounts for 53.9% of output but generates only VND 73.77 thousand per kilogram in value added. Chain linkages remain weak: 81.3% of farmers sell through traders, while only 6.5% sell to enterprises under formal contracts. In Channel 5, farmers receive only 0.8% of total channel profit. Based on these findings, the study recommends promoting deep processing, improving and standardizing product quality, developing value-added products, and strengthening both horizontal linkages among farmers and vertical linkages with cooperatives, processors, and exporters.