Spatial Analysis of Constraints and Opportunities in Banana Value Chain in Meru County, Kenya
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Date
2018-11
Authors
Mbuthia, Susan Wanjiru
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
The changes such as increases in urban dwellers and demand for high quality and safe
products being witnessed in agrifood systems around the world present opportunities for
farmers to orient production to meet the emerging needs. To this end, governments in Sub-
Saharan Africa have been reconstituting new trading policies. In Kenya, banana farming is
a prospective activity through which small-scale farmers could exploit the emerging
opportunities. This study examines the banana value chain in Meru County in order to
determine the constraints and opportunities therein and the farmers’ responses. Although
agricultural value chain studies are strongly recommended as possible intervention
strategies of increasing the farmers’ competitive position in their activities, past studies on
banana farming in Kenya mainly focused either on production or marketing. This study
focused on the following objectives; profiling the demographic-socio-economic
characteristics of farmers and traders, determining the constraints and opportunities in
banana value chain, and evaluating the spatio-temporal distribution of periodic banana
markets. A survey design and mixed method approach were used in data collection.
Research instruments included: (i) Questionnaires administered to 384 farmers and 384
traders who were purposively selected. (ii) Interview guide used for 8 key informants. (iii)
Focus group discussion guide used for 2 groups. Data processing and analysis was done
using excel and SPSS. Quantitative data was analysed using analysis of variance, t test,
Pearson correlation coefficient and nearest neighbour index. Qualitative data analysis was
guided by SWOT and Scoring cards. Results showed that: women dominated production
(52.6%) and marketing (57.6 %); a significant (p < .000) difference existed between
earnings by men (Ksh 16,770) and women (Ksh 14,249) farmers; farms were small (1.9
acres) and significantly (p = .032) different in size across the sub counties; and 177stools
were harvested monthly but significantly (p < .001) varied across locations. Wholesalers
dominated banana trading. Pests and diseases (23.2 %), and high marketing costs (24.2 %)
were the leading constraints. Opportunities included; short distances (3.3 kilometres)
between farms and markets which significantly (p < .000) varied with locations, and unmet
demand for bananas and high prospects for value additions. Markets with a closer time
dimension did not have a wide spatial distance and vice versa (r = -0.530, p = .076); and the
banana markets were not uniformly distributed (Rn = 0.31). The study concluded that: (i)
some demographic-socio-economic characteristics of farmers and traders influenced their
activities in the chain. (ii) The chain is characterized by several interdependent constraints
(iii) Banana value chain has enormous potential to benefit farmers (iv) Markets do not meet
the needs of the farmers equally. It is therefore recommended that: (i) community training
on production and entrepreneurship targeting women to be conducted. (ii) Meru County
government to partner with private firms in helping farmers address constraints and exploit
existing opportunities. (iii) Banana traders to curve out a niche market in order to promote
banana value addition, and (iv) the County government to either reorganise market in
synchronised way or establish new ones in areas not optimally served.
Description
A Thesis Submitted to the School of Humanities and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Agricultural Geography) of Kenyatta University