Abstract:
The tea value chain encompasses all stages involved in producing tea, from cultivation
to consumption. The study aims to study the nature, problems arising, and practices in
the tea plantation management sector and find out, mitigate, and overcome issues. The
study of mixed methodology was used to do the research design. Data was collected
from 100 tea farmers and key value chain actors in the Galle district of Sri Lanka
through questionnaire surveys and interviews. Quantitative data were analyzedusing
SPSS Version 24. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were
conducted to analyze the data. The result of the demographic analysis showed 6g% firlltime
contribution to tea cultivation. The largest number of respond ents 45yo had,
working experience of 1 1-15 years; most females account for 66%o.It was observed that
47oh of tespondent's main source of income was tea cultivation. The regression analysis
reveals that management practices significantly impact on organizational performance
in the Galle District's tea value chain. The model shows a strong correlation (R: 0.780)
with 60.8% of the performance variability explained (R2: 0.608). Leadership Style (p
: 0.006), Resource Allocation (p : 0.020), and Monthly Income (p : 0.010), all of
which are statistically significant. Interviews in the tea industry revealed varied
management practices, with most actors using leadership and collaborative decisionmaking.
Resource allocation, linked to better product quality, differs by person.
Financial success is measured through various strategies, and while technology is
valued, some struggle with adaptation. Fair govemment support was highlighted as
crucial. Key factors enhancing tea smallholder performance in Galle District include
leadership style, resource management, and govemment support. This study suggests
that targeted intervention improves the performance of the tea value chain. This result
can be used to contrast and compare with the national tea value chain.
