Global Logistics Framework for Colombian Medicinal Plants

Thursday, July 16, 2026, 5:45 AM

Session: SOC Poster Session (Virtual 1) (Virtual)

Latin America is one of the world’s most biodiverse regions and possesses significant potential to supply medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) such as Passiflora incarnata and Calendula officinalis, as global demand for natural remedies continues to expand. However in countries such as Colombia, SMEs remain underrepresented in global trade due to fragmented, low-coordination logistics systems and limited institutional alignment. This study addresses that gap by developing a System Dynamics-based logistics framework tailored to SME conditions, aiming to support consistent, cost-effective and quality-preserving exports. The methodology follows an approach structured into five sequential stages: stakeholder mapping, data collection and analysis, framework development, sensitivity analysis and validation. Each stage contributes to the overall framework by integrating literature insights with empirical evidence from SME interviews and field observations, ensuring a structured and practical approach that bridges theory to real challenges faced by Colombian exporters. The framework developed in this study extends beyond Colombia. Many emerging economies producing MAPs face similar barriers: institutional fragmentation, inconsistent quality systems, low SME bargaining power and logistics unreliability. Because the System Dynamics approach emphasizes structural behaviour rather than context-specific parameters, the model is fully scalable to other MAP species and to other geographies where smallholder-led natural product value chains struggle to integrate into global markets.