IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jsusta/v14y2022i13p8183-d855812.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Improving Access to Export Market for Fresh Vegetables through Reduction of Phytosanitary and Pesticide Residue Constraints

Author

Listed:
  • Geraldin M. W. Lengai

    (Department of Plant Science and Crop Protection, University of Nairobi, Nairobi P.O. Box 30197-00100, Kenya)

  • Alex M. Fulano

    (Department of Plant Science and Crop Protection, University of Nairobi, Nairobi P.O. Box 30197-00100, Kenya)

  • James W. Muthomi

    (Department of Plant Science and Crop Protection, University of Nairobi, Nairobi P.O. Box 30197-00100, Kenya)

Abstract

The horticultural sector is a key contributor to Kenya’s gross domestic product through the export of fresh-cut flowers, fruits and vegetables to various niche markets. It employs over 350,000 people, while about six million depend on it. However, the sector is constrained by the strict technical and phytosanitary quality requirements set by the export markets. The phytosanitary concerns include the presence of pests and microbial contaminants, while the presence of chemical residues constitute the major technical challenge. These constraints cause the interception and rejection of produce at the export destinations. The fresh produce should be free of quarantine and regulated non-quarantine pests, pest damage, pesticides above the stipulated maximum residue levels (MRLs) and phytosanitary certification. This review discusses the following four-tiered approach to compliance with phytosanitary and pesticide residue requirements: (i) use of alternative pest management approaches, including biocontrol options, cultural and physical practices; (ii) collaboration among regulatory agencies, institutions, producers and regional countries in the enforcement of standards; (iii) investment in research and the adoption of innovative technologies; (iv) awareness creation and training of actors along the fresh vegetable value chain. It is envisaged that this approach will contribute to sustainable fresh vegetable value chains, leading to improved access to export markets, and increased export volumes and income to smallholder farmers and other actors in the fresh vegetable value chain.

Suggested Citation

  • Geraldin M. W. Lengai & Alex M. Fulano & James W. Muthomi, 2022. "Improving Access to Export Market for Fresh Vegetables through Reduction of Phytosanitary and Pesticide Residue Constraints," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(13), pages 1-20, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:13:p:8183-:d:855812
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/14/13/8183/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/14/13/8183/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Muthomi, James & Fulano, A. M. & Wagacha, J. M. & Mwang’ombe, A. W., 2017. "Management of Snap Bean Insect Pests and Diseases by Use of Antagonistic Fungi and Plant Extracts," Sustainable Agriculture Research, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 6(3), August.
    2. Christos A. Damalas & Spyridon D. Koutroubas, 2018. "Current Status and Recent Developments in Biopesticide Use," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 8(1), pages 1-6, January.
    3. Elizaphan J. O. Rao & Bernhard Brümmer & Matin Qaim, 2012. "Farmer Participation in Supermarket Channels, Production Technology, and Efficiency: The Case of Vegetables in Kenya," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 94(4), pages 891-912.
    4. Mariah Ngutu & Salome Bukachi & Charles Owuor Olungah & Boniface Kiteme & Fabian Kaeser & Tobias Haller, 2018. "The Actors, Rules and Regulations Linked to Export Horticulture Production and Access to Land and Water as Common Pool Resources in Laikipia County, Northwest Mount Kenya," Land, MDPI, vol. 7(3), pages 1-22, September.
    5. Alex M. Fulano & Geraldin M. W. Lengai & James W. Muthomi, 2021. "Phytosanitary and Technical Quality Challenges in Export Fresh Vegetables and Strategies to Compliance with Market Requirements: Case of Smallholder Snap Beans in Kenya," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-21, February.
    6. May T. Yeung & William A. Kerr & Blair Coomber & Matthew Lantz & Alyse McConnell, 2017. "The Economics of International Harmonization of MRLs," Palgrave Studies in Agricultural Economics and Food Policy, in: Declining International Cooperation on Pesticide Regulation, chapter 0, pages 27-43, Palgrave Macmillan.
    7. Garcia Martinez, Marian & Poole, Nigel, 2004. "The development of private fresh produce safety standards: implications for developing Mediterranean exporting countries," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 29(3), pages 229-255, June.
    8. May T. Yeung & William A. Kerr & Blair Coomber & Matthew Lantz & Alyse McConnell, 2017. "Declining International Cooperation on Pesticide Regulation," Palgrave Studies in Agricultural Economics and Food Policy, Palgrave Macmillan, number 978-3-319-60552-4, December.
    9. E. O. Ogumo & C. N. Kunyanga & M. W. Okoth & J. W. Kimenju, 2018. "Correlation between Time of Harvesting and Duration before Cooling on the Microbial Quality of French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)," International Journal of Sciences, Office ijSciences, vol. 7(12), pages 8-15, December.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Rutten, Martine & Achterbosch, Thom J. & de Boer, Imke J.M. & Cuaresma, Jesus Crespo & Geleijnse, Johanna M. & Havlík, Petr & Heckelei, Thomas & Ingram, John & Leip, Adrian & Marette, Stéphan & van Me, 2018. "Metrics, models and foresight for European sustainable food and nutrition security: The vision of the SUSFANS project," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 163(C), pages 45-57.
    2. Bovay, John & Ferrier, Peyton & Zhen, Chen, 2018. "Estimated Costs for Fruit and Vegetable Producers To Comply With the Food Safety Modernization Act’s Produce Rule," Economic Information Bulletin 276220, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
    3. E. Rouvière & K. Latouche, 2014. "Impact of liability rules on modes of coordination for food safety in supply chains," European Journal of Law and Economics, Springer, vol. 37(1), pages 111-130, February.
    4. Miet Maertens & Liesbeth Colen & Johan F. M. Swinnen, 2011. "Globalisation and poverty in Senegal: a worst case scenario?," European Review of Agricultural Economics, Oxford University Press and the European Agricultural and Applied Economics Publications Foundation, vol. 38(1), pages 31-54, March.
    5. Codron, Jean-Marie & Adanacioğlu, Hakan & Aubert, Magali & Bouhsina, Zouhair & El Mekki, Abdelkader Ait & Rousset, Sylvain & Tozanli, Selma & Yercan, Murat, 2014. "The role of market forces and food safety institutions in the adoption of sustainable farming practices: The case of the fresh tomato export sector in Morocco and Turkey," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 49(P1), pages 268-280.
    6. Sara Ratna Qanti & Thomas Reardon & Arief Iswariyadi, 2017. "Triangle of Linkages among Modernising Markets, Sprayer–traders, and Mango-farming Intensification in Indonesia," Bulletin of Indonesian Economic Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 53(2), pages 187-208, May.
    7. Benali, Marwan & Brümmer, Bernhard & Afari-Sefa, Victor, 2017. "Small producer participation in export vegetable supply chains and poverty: evidence from different export schemes in Tanzania," GlobalFood Discussion Papers 262583, Georg-August-Universitaet Goettingen, GlobalFood, Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development.
    8. Janaka Wijayasiri & Suwendrani Jayaratne, 2011. "Implications of agri-food standards for Sri Lanka: Case studies of tea and fisheries export industries," Working Papers 10411, Asia-Pacific Research and Training Network on Trade (ARTNeT), an initiative of UNESCAP and IDRC, Canada..
    9. Maertens, Miet & Swinnen, Johan F.M., 2009. "Trade, Standards, and Poverty: Evidence from Senegal," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 37(1), pages 161-178, January.
    10. Andersson, Camilla I.M. & Kiria, Christine G. & Qaim, Matin & Rao, Elizaphan J.O., 2013. "Following up on smallholder farmers and supermarkets," GlobalFood Discussion Papers 158142, Georg-August-Universitaet Goettingen, GlobalFood, Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development.
    11. John C. Beghin & Miet Maertens & Johan Swinnen, 2017. "Nontariff Measures and Standards in Trade and Global Value Chains," World Scientific Book Chapters,in: Nontariff Measures and International Trade, chapter 2, pages 13-38 World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd..
    12. John C. Beghin & Miet Maertens & Johan Swinnen, 2017. "Nontariff Measures and Standards in Trade and Global Value Chains," World Scientific Book Chapters, in: John Christopher Beghin (ed.), Nontariff Measures and International Trade, chapter 2, pages 13-38, World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd..
    13. Mwangi, Joseph Kanyua & Crewett, Wibke, 2019. "The impact of irrigation on small-scale African indigenous vegetable growers’ market access in peri-urban Kenya," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 212(C), pages 295-305.
    14. Kareem, Olayinka Idowu, 2012. "Non – Tariff Barriers and Exports: An Impact Analysis from Africa – EU and Africa – USA Trade Relations," Conference papers 332252, Purdue University, Center for Global Trade Analysis, Global Trade Analysis Project.
    15. Perez, Ana Maria Garcia & Martinez, Marian Garcia, 2006. "The Agri-Food Cooperative Netchain: A Theoretical Framework to Study its Configuration," 99th Seminar, February 8-10, 2006, Bonn, Germany 7747, European Association of Agricultural Economists.
    16. Yuying Liu & Ruiling Shi & Yiting Peng & Wei Wang & Xinhong Fu, 2022. "Impacts of Technology Training Provided by Agricultural Cooperatives on Farmers’ Adoption of Biopesticides in China," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-17, February.
    17. Awal Abdul‐Rahaman & Gazali Issahaku & Wanglin Ma, 2023. "Agrifood system participation and production efficiency among smallholder vegetable farmers in Northern Ghana," Agribusiness, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 39(3), pages 812-835, July.
    18. Donovan, Jason & Poole, Nigel, 2014. "Changing asset endowments and smallholder participation in higher value markets: Evidence from certified coffee producers in Nicaragua," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 44(C), pages 1-13.
    19. Brassard, P. & Godbout, S. & Hamelin, L., 2021. "Framework for consequential life cycle assessment of pyrolysis biorefineries: A case study for the conversion of primary forestry residues," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 138(C).
    20. Ochieng, Dennis O. & Veettil, Prakashan C. & Qaim, Matin, 2017. "Farmers’ preferences for supermarket contracts in Kenya," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 68(C), pages 100-111.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:13:p:8183-:d:855812. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.