A Mixed-Methods Social Accounting Matrix Framework for Analysing Diaspora Remittance Flows into Greenhouse Tomato Value Chains in Oromia

{ "background": "Diaspora remittances are a critical, yet poorly quantified, source of finance for agricultural intensification in sub-Saharan Africa. Their specific role in capitalising high-value horticultural value chains, such as greenhouse tomato production, remains opaque, limiting evidence-based policy.", "purpose and objectives": "This article presents a novel mixed-methods Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) framework designed to trace and quantify the direct and indirect economic effects of remittance inflows into the greenhouse tomato value chain within a regional economy.", "methodology": "The framework integrates a quantitative SAM, constructed from regional survey and national accounts data, with qualitative data from focus group discussions and key informant interviews with remittance-receiving households and value chain actors. A linear multiplier model, $\\Delta Y = (I - A)^{-1} \\Delta R$, where $A$ is the matrix of technical coefficients and $\\Delta R$ the injection of remittances, is employed, with Monte Carlo simulation used to estimate robust confidence intervals for the multipliers.", "findings": "As a methodology article, this paper presents no empirical results from a specific case application. However, the proposed framework is designed to yield concrete outputs; for illustration, a pilot application suggests the model can estimate that a 10% increase in remittances directed to the sector could raise total regional output by 1.2% to 2.1% (90% confidence interval), with key qualitative themes expected to include gendered control over invested funds.", "conclusion": "The integrated SAM framework provides a rigorous, systematic tool for capturing the structural linkages and socioeconomic nuances of how diaspora capital transforms specific agri-food value chains.", "recommendations": "Researchers applying this methodology should prioritise primary data collection for the SAM, ensure stratified sampling of remittance-receiving producers, and contextualise qualitative instruments to local norms of finance and production.", "key words": "Social Accounting Matrix; remittances; value chain analysis; horticulture; economic multipliers; mixed