Peanut Value Chain Development: The Case of Lower Lake Victoria Basin of Kenya

George Okoth Odunga (), John K. Bidzakin, Philip Okaka, Sheila Okoth, Beneah Mutsotso and Anil R. Graves
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George Okoth Odunga: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
John K. Bidzakin: Faculty of Engineering & Applied Science, Cranfield University, Cranfield, Bedfordshire MK43 0AL, UK
Philip Okaka: National Product Industry National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi 00200, Kenya
Sheila Okoth: Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
Beneah Mutsotso: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
Anil R. Graves: Faculty of Engineering & Applied Science, Cranfield University, Cranfield, Bedfordshire MK43 0AL, UK

Economies, 2025, vol. 13, issue 4, 1-21

Abstract: Peanut is Kenya’s second most important legume after beans, primarily grown in the Nyanza and Western regions. This study maps the peanut value chain in Kenya, aiming to identify key actors, quantify costs and value addition, and outline constraints and opportunities, with a view to upgrading the chain. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among value chain actors in Karachuonyo and Nyakach sub-counties, complemented by secondary data sources. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze socio-economic characteristics, production volumes, pricing, demand trends, and policy-related factors. The findings indicate a predominance of female farmers (68%) in peanut production, though few use improved technologies; only 26% were aware of improved seed varieties, and just 1.5% reported using them. Fertilizer usage was absent, attributed to high costs, soil conditions, and limited knowledge. The wholesale and processing segments are male-dominated, largely due to capital intensity and travel requirements, while female traders dominate the retail sector. Strengths Weaknesses Opportunity and Threats (SWOT) analysis highlighted the significant potential of favorable production ecologies, processing options, and robust demand in local and international markets. Key constraints identified include limited seed availability, high fertilizer costs, pest issues, and declining soil fertility. Policy implications include increasing access to affordable inputs, promoting gender-inclusive programs, investing in agricultural research and infrastructure, supporting sustainable farming practices, and fostering public-private partnerships to expand processing and market access.

Keywords: opportunities; SWOT analysis; market values; value chain actors; agricultural production; production constraints; agricultural technologies; ecologies (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: E F I J O Q (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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