Abstract
The study examines the crucial interplay between collaboration and trust in enhancing the efficiency of the dairy supply chain. This study developed a strategic framework that fosters collaboration and trust among stakeholders, ultimately enhancing supply chain performance in Zimbabwe. Utilising qualitative methods, the research involved semi-structured interviews with 25 dairy industry professionals, yielding insights into strategic collaboration practices, trust-building mechanisms, and prevalent challenges faced in the sector. The key findings reveal that effective information sharing, joint decision-making, and integrating supply chain processes are essential for promoting collaboration. Additionally, trust-building mechanisms such as transparency, continuous relationship management, and a commitment to reliability have emerged as vital components that impact cooperative efforts. However, challenges, including institutional barriers, cultural resistance, and economic and infrastructural constraints, hinder the implementation of these practices. The implications of this research underscore the necessity for stakeholders and policymakers to prioritise transparent communication and reinforce regulatory frameworks that encourage collaborative initiatives. The originality of this study lies in its contextual focus on Zimbabwe’s dairy industry, providing a nuanced understanding of collaboration and trust dynamics in a developing market setting. By offering a strategic framework that incorporates both practical and theoretical insights, this research contributes to the broader discourse on supply chain management, emphasising the transformative role of trust and collaboration in enhancing overall supply chain resilience and effectiveness.