Constraints to Profitable Participation in Agri-food Value Chains: A Case of Small-scale Banana Farmers in Meru County, Kenya

Abstract

Constraints in agri-food value chains tend to heighten the vulnerability of small-scale farmers in Sub-Sahara Africa. This study evaluates the constraints limiting small-scale banana farmers in Meru County, Kenya, from profitably participation in the crop’s value chain, producers’ efforts in- and suggestions toovercoming them. Results of this study reveal that banana farmers face several interdependent constraints such as inadequate know-how on banana management, high cost plantlets, and pests and diseases that amplify one another but efforts to overcome them have been partial. It is therefore, necessary to have several measures implemented concurrently to address the constraints. Thus, future interventions should have concerted efforts from governments and non-government organizations.