Relational and Local Dynamics in Informal Supply Chains

Abstract

Informal supply chains ensure the circulation of essential goods despite significant local constraints. In rural villages in sub-Saharan Africa, community networks organize the transport of basic foodstuffs despite impassable roads, distant markets, and seasonal supply fluctuations. In urban diasporas in North America and Europe, communities structure the transnational circulation of food, clothing, and cultural products, overcoming limitations in market access and regulatory frameworks. Drawing on the concept of social capital—structural, relational, and cognitive dimensions—the analysis highlights how actors anticipate needs, adjust operations in real time, and maintain the continuity of flows under variable conditions. The illustrations from rural and urban contexts broaden understanding of logistical mechanisms beyond conventional approaches centered on efficiency and optimization. Insights gained from these illustrations suggest pathways for hybrid supply systems that reconcile formal efficiency with local adaptability. By linking anthropology and supply chain management, the article provides an original perspective on how social relationships, local knowledge, and embedded practices shape resilience and operational agility in informal supply chains.