One of the main reasons that small- and medium-scale producers are often not participating in growing export markets for high-value agricultural commodities is that they cannot meet strict food safety and quality requirements associated with the delivery of their product to distant and more formal markets. These producers face four distinct problems: 1) how to produce safe food, 2) how to be recognized as producing safe food, 3) how to identify cost-effective technologies for reducing risk, and 4) how to be competitive with larger producers who have the advantage of economies of scale for compliance with food safety requirements. At the same time, lower standards are often applied for domestic markets in LDCs.
This project examined the export flows of Green Beans from Kenya, Ethiopia, and Zambia to the EU. The study focused on the five research questions - a) any food safety requirements imposed by green bean importers and the national government. b) how producers and exporters meet those requirements, c) are small-holders squeezed out by these requirements, and d) what are the spillover effects of food safety regulations for exports on the domestic market?
Amyaz Moledina on 04 Sep 13Enhancing Market Access for East Africa's Smallscale Fresh Produce" funded by the Trade Mark East Africa (TMEA), TAHA undertakes capacity building for the vegetable and fruits small grower groups to produce as per global private sector body for the certification of agricultural products (Global G.A.P). "The 42 farmers who have just graduated will be local Global GAP inspectors within their groups in order to enable their colleagues to produce as per global body's standards," Ms Mkindi explained. She said TAHA has already translated the Global GAP protocol on horticultural standards into Kiswahili, simplified illustrated its manual and developed its curriculum to support farmers to grasp easily.