Abstract
This article analyses and assesses the integration of sustainable consumption and production (SCP) practices in the horticultural production of Kenyan micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) within the framework of the EU Switch Africa Green project ‘Green Horticulture at Lake Naivasha’ (GOALAN) in the Lake Naivasha basin, Kenya. The aim of the study is to understand what facilitates and hinders the uptake of SCP practices. Using qualitative and quantitative data collection methods, this article is based on a case study approach. The study looked into (1) 158 MSMEs (project beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries) regarding their adoption and implementation of SCP practices, as well as their encountered challenges, opportunities, and evidenced outcomes; and (2) five ‘best practice’ case studies from the project beneficiary group. Findings indicate some key factors influencing the decision of MSMEs to adopt and implement SCP practices. These factors encompass access to SCP know-how, the identification of potential benefits, access to specialized and reliable markets, access to finance, and access to infrastructure. Based on the findings, the study suggests that to promote the uptake and long-term implementation of SCP practices by horticultural MSMEs, it is key to build the capacity of MSMEs, improve financial capacity to invest in SCP measures, enhance access to markets through establishing new linkages with buyers and customers, and enable infrastructure.
Highlights
Horticultural crops refer to fruits, vegetables, spices, and ornamental and medicinal plants [1,2]
This study looks into the case of horticultural MSMEs at the Lake Naivasha Basin, Kenya, in the framework of the EU-funded Green Horticulture at Lake Naivasha’ (GOALAN) project to learn and gain insights about the challenges and opportunities surrounding the integration of sustainable consumption and production (SCP) practices
It is vital for the MSMEs to start adopting sustainable production and consumption (SCP) practices
Summary
Horticultural crops refer to fruits, vegetables, spices, and ornamental and medicinal plants [1,2]. Horticulture is an important sub-sector of Kenya’s vibrant agriculture sector that contributes to 26% of the gross domestic product (GDP) [3]. The horticultural micro-, small-, and medium-sized (MSMEs) play an important role in Kenya’s economy. The MSMEs form the backbone of the agriculture sector in Sub-Saharan African (SSA). Kenya’s traditional horticultural production is generally characterized by limited access to improved inputs and modern production tools and systems such as high-quality seeds, fertilizer, pesticides, machinery, and irrigation systems. Farmers lean towards practices that ensure the intensive utilization of resources, mainly land and water and farm chemicals [6]. These practices lead to serious environmental and health-related impacts, such as soil erosion, water contamination, and chemical
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