Mango Value Chain Research Articles

Smallholder-based Mango Value Chain and the Integration of Food Safety and Food Loss Reduction in Cambodia’s Crossborder Trade

Smallholder-based Mango Value Chain and the Integration of Food Safety and Food Loss Reduction in Cambodia’s Crossborder Trade

COVID-19 and its impact on the profit of mango value chain actors.

The unprecedented impact of the pandemic on both activities and profit of actors draws out the various areas of the value chain that need to be strengthened to ensure resilience in the face of global shock. This study fills the gap by assessing the extent at which COVID-19 impacted the profit of mango value chain actors in southern Ghana. It also analyzed the governance structure and the existing linkages in the dissemination of market information in relation to the profit of the actors. A two-year panel survey on 240 respondents was conducted in 2020 through a multi-stage sampling technique in Greater Accra, Eastern and Volta regions of Ghana. Net Farm Income, Social Network Analysis and Difference-in-Difference models were used in analyzing the data. Findings revealed that mango processors have more bargaining power and make the most profit while producers receive more information than other actors. Farmer-based organizations were found to be the prominent node and influential in the dissemination of market information within the value chain. The outbreak of COVID-19 negatively impacted the profit of mango producers and distributors; however, processors had a positive impact on their profit. The study therefore demonstrated that producers and distributors were vulnerable to the effect of the COVID-19 shock, whilst processors were robust to the shocks. Thus, reformed policies by all stakeholders for emergency preparedness should be targeted especially at those vulnerable actors in the chain. Additionally, FBOs, retailers and other key stakeholders should be considered in policy development to enhance market information dissemination.

Assessment of factors influencing adoption of postharvest loss reduction practices along the mango value chain in Embu, Machakos, and Nairobi counties, Kenya

Use of loss reduction practices are critical to ensuring losses are reduced significantly along the value chain. This necessitates for the need to assess the factors that influence adoption of the loss reductio practices to have better targeting and development. Therefore, the current study assessed the factors that influence adoption, and multistage sampling technique was employed. The counties and the sub-counties were purposively selected, and the mapping began from Nairobi which is the main market for mangoes. Wholesalers, and retailers were interviewed making use of snowballing, while farmers were randomly selected. A total of 70 farmers were selected, 74 wholesalers, and 98 retailers were sampled.From the study, at the farm level results revealed that about 38.7 % of the farmer respondents prefer use of stick and bag. On the other hand, about 37.1 % of farmers in Machakos had preference of hand picking as the main method of harvesting. Wholesaler preferred the use of cartons in Nairobi, while those in Embu and Machakos had higher preference of use of shades. Result from the empirical model showed that credit was a critical factor to use of the practices at the farm with a 40 % influence on use of multiple practices. Experiencing higher losses influenced adoption of the practices by 4.3 %, and would influence use of multiple practices by 19.2 %. Organized selling was the critical factor for wholesalers and influenced adoption by 43.4 %.Retailers in Embu and Machakos on the other hand, were 19.9 % less likely to take up the practices. The results further showed that higher PHL influence retailer to take up loss reduction practices by 30.2 %, and those that were more experience were 20 % more likely to take up the practices.From the result it was thus concluded that cost effectiveness, ability to reduce losses, and increase of incomes were some of the things actors were interested with before they could take up any loss reduction practice. Through the study it was evident that high PHL less to higher use of the practices, and also positively influence the intensity of use of the practices. It was thus recommended that there is need for upgrading the current low-cost technologies to make them more user friendly so that they are not time-wasting during harvest, and for the traders they are able to carry optimal quantities that lead to profit maximization.

Gendered barriers and opportunities for scaling integrated pest management practices along the mango value chain in Kenya

Abstract Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is an important source of food and income in Kenya, but production is hampered by the proliferation of invasive fruit flies (Bactrocera dorsalis). The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) and its partners have over the past 2 decades developed and disseminated an integrated pest management (IPM) package of interventions that effectively reduce fruit fly populations, but adoption is relatively low. In response to this low adoption, the authors conducted desk- and field-based qualitative and quantitative studies to better understand the gendered barriers and opportunities for scaling IPM practices along the mango value chain in Kenya. Twenty-four gender-disaggregated focus groups, 118 farmer surveys, and 63 key informant interviews with value chain actors were conducted. The results show that lack of access to IPM inputs, market constraints, and access to training are among the key barriers to and motivations for adopting IPM strategies in Embu County, Kenya.

The mango value chain in Haiti: constraints and opportunities of a promising industry

The mango value chain in Haiti: constraints and opportunities of a promising industry

The mango value chain in Haiti: constraints and opportunities of a promising industry

The mango value chain in Haiti: constraints and opportunities of a promising industry

A Comprehensive Value Chain Analysis of Mango Production and Distribution in Saptari District, Nepal

Mango is an important fruit crop grown widely in the Saptari district of Nepal. A study was conducted in March and June 2022 under PMAMP-PIU (Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project-Project Implementation Unit), Saptari (PMAMP-PIU, 2074/75) to analyze the value chain of Mango in Saptari, which explored the functional and economic linkage among the actors. A total of 60 producers, 10 traders, 5 retailers and 2 key informants were interviewed. Data regarding production, post-harvest handling and marketing were analyzed by using descriptive and analytical methods with SPSS (version 26) and MS Excel 2021. Qualitative and quantitative analysis was undertaken in this study to generate insights into the limitations and opportunities of the mango value chain which can be used to establish the critical control points. The study identified key actors of Mango VC as input suppliers, producers, contract farmers, village-level collectors, wholesalers, retailers and consumers. Likewise, 4 marketing channels were identified in the study area. Economic analysis shows the cost of production per hectare was $1,453.71. Benefit cost analysis showed mango sub-sector is profitable business with BC ratio of 2.02. The average return was $2942.88/ha. The producers’ share was 55.28% in the proximal market and 32.25% in the distant market. Infestation of disease, insect and pest and lack of processing and post-harvest technology was major production problem. Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 11(4): 197-208.

Phân tích chuỗi giá trị xoài cát Chu vùng Đồng bằng Sông Cửu Long

Development uses primary data sources through investigating subjects related to the Cat Chu mango value chain in the Mekong Delta region such as mango farmers, cooperatives, collectors, processing companies, retailers, chain supporters and use research methods such as scientific abstraction, logical method with historical method, analysis - synthesis method, VC research method of GTZ (Valuelinks) and M4P (DFID) to analyze the Cat Chu mango value chain of the Mekong Delta region.Research results show that only the development of the global mango chain can increase farmers’ income. In the traditional and modern chains, farmers’ income depends on market price fluctuations, so farmers’ income is always highly volatile and there are no effective remedies. Besides the achievements, mango production and consumption in the Mekong Delta has difficulties and limitations as analyzed above. On that basis, the article proposes a number of recommendations to contribute to the development of the Cat Chu mango value chain in the Mekong Delta in the near future.

Understanding the complexity of the Indonesian fresh mango industry in delivering quality to markets: A systems thinking approach

In response to anticipated export demand growth and the expansion of the modern domestic market, the Indonesian mango industry faces both opportunities and challenges in elevating the production of high-quality mangoes. This industry’s complexity, characterised by various actors with wide-ranging interests, poses a key challenge. We implemented a systems thinking approach in this study to comprehend this complex Indonesian mango value chain and identify deep-rooted issues that could obstruct high-quality mango production. Our research employed participatory group model building with primary actors and stakeholders, which disclosed that conventional agricultural management practices, inadequate postharvest handling, and a lack of coordinated quality standards are key drivers of low-quality mango production. By utilising system archetypes—interpretive tools capturing complex food system behaviour—we demonstrate that adopting clear market orientation through mutual contractual arrangements and fostering collaboration among key actors can significantly influence high-quality mango production. This study provides a nuanced understanding of the underlying factors affecting system behaviour over time, a component often overlooked in traditional value chain analysis. As a result, policy formulation can better address the root causes of Indonesia’s low production of high-quality mangoes.

Consumer preferences and willingness to pay for dried traditional mangos from Kitui – A marketing analysis for Kenya and Germany

The Kenyan mango value chain faces high post-harvest losses due to poor market access alongside a lack of storage technologies and processing facilities. Thus, using fruit processing methods, like solar drying, can enhance shelf life and help smallholder farmers access new markets, diversifying income and livelihoods. Nonetheless, the processing of both indigenous and grafted mango fruits is not a very common practice. This study was conducted to support product development targeting processing and marketing to link farmers to both local and export markets. Four independent consumer testing and sensory evaluation rounds on Kitui’s dried mango flakes were conducted in Germany and Kenya. Data were collected via a group tasting by 31 randomly selected participants and an online questionnaire of 304 randomly selected participants. All participants were given samples of different varieties of dried mango flakes with and without additives. Results show that high-quality mango cultivars, like Ngowe, receive high hedonic scores without any additives (honey, sodium metabisulfite, or ascorbic acid). Some varieties positively respond to the treatments and achieve higher scores, e.g., Van Dyke or the indigenous variety Kikamba. The consumers testing in Germany show that extrinsic attributes, such as organic production, fair trade, cooperative, and sustainable labelled flakes open up new opportunities for farmers who aim for the export market. Against findings derived from German panellists, in Kenya, consumers do not show a higher willingness to pay despite having a positive attitude toward sustainability. Thus, the local market should focus on cost-reduction strategies rather than introducing standardisation.

Food Traceability in Agriculture Value Chain: Evidence from Pakistani Mango Growers

Several incidents, including food adulteration, misinterpretation of food characteristics, and, most recently, the spread of the Covid-19 disease, have stunned consumer confidence and bolstered the need for creating traceability in the Food Supply Chain. This study aims to assess the knowledge level of mango growers food traceability and assess factors influencing their intention toward a scientific traceable value chain in Multan, Pakistan. The study also examines the perceived challenges in implementing a traceable value chain in the mango industry. However, 40 mango growers were purposively selected. Data were collected through interview schedules using structured and unstructured questionnaires. The empirical results show that respondents had a low level of knowledge regarding the mango traceable value chain. Also, the results from multiple regression analysis revealed that knowledge and attitude have a statistically significant positive impact on growers' intention toward the mango traceable value chain. However, the study highlighted a lack of awareness, skills, and resources as challenges preventing growers from implementing a scientifically traceable mango value chain. The findings provide valuable inputs for policymakers to design an effective training program to develop the culture of traceability practices among mango growers and other stakeholders in the industry in Pakistan.

The challenges of agricultural value chain assessment and governance – The example of mangoes in Burkina Faso

The integrated assessment of agricultural value chains through economic, social and environmental analyses is aimed at providing the necessary and sufficient information to guide or support investment decisions in the context of sustainable development. These assessments are based on data collection and analyses of the organisation of these value chains, as well as on their stakeholders’ strategies. Access to information, the reliability of this information, and the general context in which these value chains evolve are key dimensions. The context can be an obstacle to investment decisions and the implementation of sectoral agricultural policies. Indeed, investing requires confidence in the future, since it implies debt, and therefore risk-taking and accountability. In order to mitigate this risk, investors require information and must be able to access it. In low-income countries, difficulties in applying regulatory texts and the lack of reliable information hamper the development of sustainable agricultural value chains, as well as the processes to assess them. We show how mango value chains in Burkina Faso are concerned.

Morphological and Physical Diversity of Mangoes (Mangifera indica L.) of Local Varieties Found in Noun and Lekié Localities (Cameroon)

Cameroon has an amazing variety of local mangoes whose potential is poorly exploited. The aim of this study was to characterise the physical and morphological diversity of mangoes in two agro-ecological regions with high potential for mango production. This experiment was conducted between February and July 2021 using ten local mango varieties. These were 'German', 'Bamoun', 'Lady' and 'American' mangoes found in Noun and 'Papaya', 'Dshang Dshang 1', 'Dshang Dshang 2', 'Kousa Dog', 'Garoua' and 'Ladies' mangoes identified in Lekié. Ten ripe fruits of each variety were harvested on three different trees in the same area. A total of 23 morphological and physical parameters were measured. Multivariate analysis based on PCA showed four groups of varieties in decreasing order of importance: group 2 (Papaya, German and American mangoes), group 4 (Garoua, Dame Lékie, Kousa Dog), group 3 (Dshang Dshang 2, Dame Noun, Dshang Dshang 1) and group 1 (Bamoun). Group 2 varieties had good quality for pulp mass to stone mass ratio (5.58±1), size index (10.6±3.22), sphericity index (0.97±0.35), fruit volume (391.5) and lateral fruit diameter (11.05±0.89). However, varieties in group 1 (12.87±3.08) and group 3 (10.7±2.27) have a high proportion of kernels in the fruit and a high kernel density, respectively. There is a wide diversity among the varieties examined. This provides valuable information of the different stakeholders in the mango value chain, i.e., the industry, nurserymen and consumers.

Storage Time as an Index for Varietal Prediction of Mango Ripening: A Systemic Approach Validated on Five Senegalese Varieties.

Mangifera indica species presents a wide varietal diversity in terms of fruit size and morphology and also of physicochemical and organoleptic properties of the pulp. In Senegal, in addition to the well-known export varieties, such as 'Kent', local varieties have been little studied particularly during ripening. This study aims to propose prediction models integrating variables deduced from varietal characteristics. Five mango varieties ('Diourou', 'Papaye', 'Sierraleone', 'Boukodiekhal' and 'Sewe') endemic to Senegal were characterized at harvest and followed during ripening storage. Caliber parameters were determined at green-mature stage as well as storage (25 °C) weight losses. Considering the 'ripening storage time' (RST) variable as ripeness level index, intra-varietal prediction models were built by multi-linear regression (R2 = 0.98) using pulp pH, soluble solid content (SSC) and Hue angle. In addition to these physicochemical parameters, variety-specific size, shape and weight loss parameters, were additional variables in multi-linear models (R2 = 0.97) for multi-varietal prediction of RST. Results showed that storage time, which was the most influential factor on the pH, SSC and Hue, can be used as a response for varietal prediction of mango ripening. As a decision support tool, theses statistical models, validated on two seasons, will contribute to reduce post-harvest losses and enhance mango value chain through a better ripening process monitoring.

Maturity indices of specific mango varieties produced at medium altitude agro-ecological zone in Kenya

The high postharvest losses (40 – 50%) reported in the mango value chain are partly attributed to lack of reliable maturity indices. Harvest maturity is dictated by the intended use and the target market for the fruits. The aim of this study was to establish maturity indices of three commercial mango varieties namely ‘Van dyke,’ ‘Kent’ and ‘Tommy Atkins’ in Embu County of Kenya. At least eighteen mango trees (six per variety) were randomly tagged at 50% flowering in each of the three selected small-scale farms in Embu County. Number of days from flowering to different maturity stages were recorded (computational method). For each variety and maturity stage, five fruits were randomly sampled from the pool and analysed for physical (size, density, firmness, colour), physiological (ethylene evolution and respiration rate) and biochemical (obrix/Total Soluble Solids (TSS), total titratable acidity (TTA) and their ratio) indices of maturity. The results showed that although size increased as the fruits developed, it was not a reliable index of maturity since some small-sized fruits attained advanced maturity earlier than others that were large-sized. The weight of the fruits fluctuated as the fruits developed and similar trend was observed on the specific gravity. Flesh firmness decreased gradually with maturity from a mean firmness of 40.54 N to 6.84 N. Tommy Atkins exhibited the lowest firmness levels at stage 4. Kent variety had the lowest ethylene at all stages while Tommy Atkins variety had the highest respiration rate of 21.40 ml/kg/hr at stage 1, which increased gradually to 32.10 ml/kg/hr at stage 4. The highest TSS: TTA values were reported in Kent variety. The results revealed significant differences in maturity indices of the three mango varieties despite similar physical indices. This study confirms the unreliability of physical maturity indices such as size and shape in establishing the right harvest stage of mango fruits. Computational, physiological and biochemical maturity indices should be incorporated in determination of accurate harvest maturity for mango. Key words: Ethylene, Harvest maturity, ‘Kent’, Maturity indices, Respiration, ‘Tommy Atkins’, ‘Van dyke’

Participatory Project Monitoring and Evaluation and Performance of Mango Farming Projects in Makueni County, Kenya

This paper focuses on showing the necessity of crafting a feasible project monitoring and evaluation policy which would be an indispensable appraisal tool for assessing the performance of mango projects. It is extracted from the PhD thesis, which aimed to establish the influence of participatory monitoring and evaluation of mango farming projects in Makueni County, Kenya. A pragmatic research paradigm, a descriptive study plan, and a multistage sampling technique were used in the study. A sample of 375 respondents using the Krejcie and Morgan tabulation formula was selected from a population of 12,622 mango farmers. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used as tools for quantitative data analysis, while the content analysis was used for qualitative data analysis. The null hypothesis that there was no significant relationship between the participatory monitoring and evaluation of the project and the performance of the mango farming projects was tested using the correlation and the F-test. The results presented a statistically significant correlation at 95% confidence level with DF (2,367) F=4.756, t=2.269 at level of significance, P=0.000<0.05, r=0.0879 and R square=0.0773. The null hypothesis was therefore rejected, illustrating a significant relationship between the participatory project M&E and the performance of the Mango projects. Based on the results, the study identified a pressing need to use participatory project monitoring and evaluation to address performance issues across the mango value chain. Partnership Support between national and county governments was necessary to engage key experts in the field of agricultural extension, in order to engage mango farmers in improving mango performance.

Assessment of Mango Post-Harvest Losses along Value Chain in the Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Even though the Gamo zone is a prevalent mango producing area in Ethiopia, the lack of comprehensive post-harvest loss research along the mango value chain prevents respective stakeholders from recognizing the socioeconomic, nutritional and environmental significance of the post-harvest loss problem. Improving the post-harvesting handling practice not only increases the production by reduction of post-harvest loss but also increases food access at the market level with prices adjustment. Therefore, this study was intended to assess the post-harvest loss along the mango value chain and the challenges that actors and stakeholders face in the process. To do this, 120 mango producers were selected following a multistage sampling procedure. The analysis result shows that the main reasons for the low productivity of mango are the use of the local variety, disease and insect pests and lack of improved harvesting technologies. The result also shows about 41% of mango loss in the study area was due to a lack of improved harvesting mechanism and infection by disease and pests and poor transportation mechanisms. From this loss, the harvesting stage shares the largest share (18%) along the mango value chain. In addition, lack of improved mango varieties, lack of cooperative and wholesale marketing and lack of value addition practice are the major identified problems in the study area. There is also a huge loss of mango production in the study area that needs immediate intervention from respective stakeholders. Thus, dissemination of improved varieties through the distribution of seedlings, modifying the existing harvesting materials and introduction of improved harvesting technologies, strengthening the cooperative marketing and supporting alternative products development through processing was suggested.

Factors Influencing Adoption of Postharvest Loss Reduction Practices Along the Mango Value Chain in Embu and Machakos Counties of Kenya

Factors Influencing Adoption of Postharvest Loss Reduction Practices Along the Mango Value Chain in Embu and Machakos Counties of Kenya

Analysis of Drivers of Postharvest Losses Along the Mango Value Chain in Embu and Machakos Counties of Kenya

Analysis of Drivers of Postharvest Losses Along the Mango Value Chain in Embu and Machakos Counties of Kenya

What do consumers want in fresh mangoes? A systematic literature review

SummaryMango is one of the most widely consumed fresh fruit in the world with an export volume valued at approximately USD 3 billion in 2019. Understanding how consumers perceive quality is crucial to improve and strengthen the overall mango value chain performance in many producing countries. This systematic literature review evaluates and discusses the methods adopted in the identified studies and synthesises the quality attributes and characteristics preferred that have been analysed in a specific market. The results show three main findings: (i) a majority of the identified studies used sensory analysis, which was does not capture the general consumers’ perception of quality; (ii) the synthesis reveals that there are a limited number of studies in major importing countries despite the growth of global mango export and (iii) although there were thirty‐three mango quality attributes identified, there was no comprehensive information on consumer perception in any specific market available due to the variability of methods adopted in the studies. Future studies need to obtain detailed information such as the importance of a mango quality attribute, the characteristic preferred in each identified important attribute and the willingness to pay for a combination of mango quality attributes and characteristics. There should also be more studies conducted in major importing countries to reflect the growing global demand of fresh mangoes.