“Interdependency refers to the fact that the activities performed in a chain (production, processing, distribution, etc.) are related to one another. To operate efficiently and profitably, a chain actor, say a fruit processor, depends on a stable and regular supply of inputs that meet quality criteria and are delivered at an affordable cost. Raw material providers, such as fruit growers, depend on the other hand, on processors to guarantee a regular outlet for their products. Thus, the success of each one of these two actors is very much associated to the fortunes of the other.”

References

Da Silva, C.A., Souza Filho, H.M. de, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Agricultural Management, M., and Finance Service, 2007. Guidelines for rapid appraisals of agrifood chain performance in developing countries. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome. http://www.fao.org/3/a-a1475e.pdf