Dairy services are considered as sources of income, employment, nutrition and health for the smallholder rural and urban farmers. The main objective of this study is to assess the inter linkage of dairy farm and small-scale dairy processing in Mekelle, Tigray. To achieve the stated objective, a descriptive research approach was employed where data was collected from 45 dairy farmers and 40 small-scale processors and analyzed through calculating the mean values and percentages. Findings show that dairy business in the study area is characterized by shortage of feed and water for the farm. The dairy farm is dominated by breeds of hybrid type, followed by the so called ‘begait’. Though the farms have access to medication and vaccination to the cattle, they fell short of hygiene practices, reliable shade for the cattle and separate space for the claves. The value chain at milk production stage is characterized by low production rate, selling raw milk without adding value and a very meager traditional processing practice. Furthermore, small-scale milk processors are characterized by collecting milk from farmers, producing cheese, butter, ghee and sour milk. They do not engage in modern milk processing like pasteurized milk, yoghurt and table butter. Most small-scale milk processors are engaged in traditional production system. Additionally, milk consumption and marketing part of the chain are dominated by the informal market (channel) where market problem, lack of skill and technology, shortage of loan and weak policy support are being faced as the main challenges. Based on the findings, recommendations and future research areas are forwarded.

The investigation is to examine intra-organizational supply chain relationships of firms which will help to look and give an emphasis for internal processes and operations strength and achievements to make an influence even for external relationship management and outstanding performances of organizations. The purpose of the study is to scrutinize the internal supply chain relationships with in manufacturing companies located in Tigray. The qualitative and quantitative data analysis methods were employed during the study by applying the primary data sources (questionnaires & interviews) and secondary data sources (organizational reports and documents) with the purposive sampling method. Thus, a descriptive research design was also applied in the research project in line with the cross-sectional research design which portrays simply the magnitude of the issues and problems by collecting the required and necessary data once from the sample respondents. This is because, the study variables don’t have any cause and effect relationship in the research project that requires other type of research design than a descriptive research design, it already needs to be assessed and analyzed with the detail description of the results after quantifying the outcomes and degree of the issues and problems based on the data gathered from respondents. The collected data was also analyzed by using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS Version 20). The intra-organizational relationships of the companies are moderately accomplished which requires an improvement for enhancing the performances of each units or departments within the firms so as to upgrade and ensuring progress of the companies’ effectiveness and efficiency. Moreover, the manufacturing companies have low industrial discipline and working culture, weak supervision of man power, delayed delivery in the process with in the companies, unsatisfactory quality of products, underutilization of capacity, low productivity and profitability which in turn results to minimize the performance of intra-organizational supply chain relationships and to reduce the companies’ organizational efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability. Hence, the companies should have to give an emphasis to build and manage effectively the intraorganizational supply chain relationships because nothing can be done without creating a successful and progressive relationships with an internal units or functional areas and individuals for the production and provision of the required and qualified products which permits to meet the intended customers’ desires. The study contributes to improve the practical applications and to give an emphasis on the policy measurements and implications of the manufacturing companies with regard to intra-organizational supply chain relationships.

Manufacturing industries have a great role in the development of the world’s economies. However, the relationship with their suppliers and customer are faced with myriad of challenges which, along with the increased competition on the global market and extended supply chains, impact their overall performance. This study was conducted to scrutinize and analyze the challenges of manufacturing firms’ relationship with suppliers and customers in Tigray region of Ethiopia. Data was collected from primary and secondary data sources through questionnaires, interviews, and organizational survey and review of reports. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were employed to analyze, make discussion, and interpret the data. The results show that low accomplishments have been reported by the manufacturing firms in managing their relationship with suppliers and customers such as low commitment, building unreliable suppliers, low feedback and low quality of information sharing, and adoption of unautomated information and communication technology. Furthermore, the companies didn’t give much attention and have feeble execution in following up customer requests and interests in time, providing consistent services, looking into the future and long-term business opportunity, responsiveness and cooperation which in turn lead to reduced satisfaction of customers, lower demand of the products and decreasing the sales volume, falling profitability and productivity of the companies. Hence, it is recommended that the companies make an improvement and progresses on the accomplishment and adoption of good practices of supplier and customer relationship, which may help them become more effective and efficient. Making frequent communication, maintaining high degrees of trust and commitment, dependency and cooperation, and developing supplier base by providing training may help the companies have better, successful and longer relationships.