EXPLORING BARRIERS, ENABLERS AND STRATEGIES FOR THE ADOPTION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS PRACTICES BY MANUFACTURING SMES IN BLANTYRE CITY

Abstract

Despite the growing emphasis on sustainability in SMEs, the majority of manufacturing SMEs in Blantyre City still encounter difficulties when attempting to adopt and implement sustainable business practices. To effectively support them, it is crucial to understand key barriers, enablers, and strategies surrounding the adoption of such practices. Therefore, this study endeavoured to explore these dynamics, for a better growth of the SMEs and contribution to economic growth. The study adopted multiple case study design, and used key informant interviews to generate primary data from thirty purposively selected key informants from SMEs, and government ministries, departments, and agencies. These interviews were triangulated with Systematic Literature Review of fifty peer-reviewed journals. Through Thematic analysis technique, the study revealed that lack of knowledge and awareness, lack of access to finance, markets, and technologies, and weak policy environment, hinder SMEs’ sustainability efforts. While increased awareness, improved access to technology, and finance, availability of supportive institutions, and effective policies, facilitate the adoption. The study further identified key strategies including; increasing capacity building programmes, formulating cooperatives, promoting growth accelerators, improving access to finance, improving policy support, and investing in research. By leveraging the enablers and implementing the strategies effectively, manufacturing SMEs in Blantyre City can achieve sustainable growth.