Phytosanitary and Technical Quality Challenges in Export Fresh Vegetables and Strategies to Compliance with Market Requirements: Case of Smallholder Snap Beans in Kenya

Alex M. Fulano, Geraldin M. W. Lengai and James W. Muthomi
Additional contact information
Alex M. Fulano: Department of Plant Science and Crop Protection, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, GPO, Nairobi, Kenya
Geraldin M. W. Lengai: Department of Sustainable Agriculture and Biodiversity Ecosystem Management, Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania
James W. Muthomi: Department of Plant Science and Crop Protection, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, GPO, Nairobi, Kenya

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 3, 1-21

Abstract: Kenya is one of the leading exporters of snap beans ( Phaseolus vulgaris ) to Europe, but the export volume has remained below potential mainly due to failure to meet the market quality standards. The quality concerns include the presence of regulated and quarantine pests, pesticide residues, harmful organisms, and noncompliance with the technical standards. These challenges call for the development of alternative approaches in overcoming the phytosanitary and quality challenges in the export of snap beans and other fresh vegetables. These may include integrated pest management (IPM) approaches that incorporate non synthetic chemical options, such as diversified cropping systems, plant and microbial-based pesticides, varieties with multiple disease and pest resistance, insecticidal soaps, pheromones and kairomones, entomopathogens and predators. These approaches, coupled with capacity-building and adherence to the set quality standards, will improve compliance with export market requirements. The aim of this paper is to increase knowledge on implementing good practices across the value chain of fresh vegetables that would lead to improved quality and thereby meeting institutional requirements for the export market. The novelty of the current review is using snap beans as a model vegetable to discuss the challenges that must be mitigated for the quest of achieving high quality and increased volume of fresh export products. Whilst many of the publications have focused on alternatives to synthetic pesticides in addressing MRLs in fresh vegetable exports, there is a disconnect between research and industry in achieving chemical residue and pest free export vegetables. This review describes the phytosanitary and technical challenges faced by smallholder farmers in accessing export markets, evaluates the phytosanitary and quality requirements by the niche markets, and explores the strategies that could be used to enhance compliance to the institutional and market requirements for fresh vegetables.

Keywords: fresh vegetables; market access; maximum residue limits; Phaseolus vulgaris; quality standards (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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