CHALLENGES FACING THE KENYAN HORTICULTURAL PRODUCER FOR EXPORT

Export of horticultural produce in Kenya and indeed in developing countries has expanded considerably in the 80’s.
Kenya’s total horticultural exports rose by 70 percent from 84500 tons in 1985 to about 151500 tons in 1988 valued at K£ 53 m and K£ 90m respectively. (Ministry of Finance, Economic Survey, 1989).

Horticultural exports have risen in importance to be the fourth largest source of foreign exchange after coffee, tourism and tea.

As the volume of production and export increases, there are constraints being felt both at production level and marketing level.
At production level, the rising costs of inputs especially fertilizers and other agrochemicals most of which are imported are challenges the farmer is faced with.
Freight costs are also rising steadily while aircargo space on scheduled flights from Nairobi to the main markets is growing at only 10 percent per year.

Changes in demand at the markets are a problem especially when the marketing intelligence is not well developed.
Lack of technical knowhow especially in specialised areas like floriculture is noted to be a constraint in the industry.

The paper dwells on these constraints, perishability being central to most of the problems.

I International Symposium on Horticultural Economics in Developing Countries

J.W. Gathee

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1991.270.32