Towards Sustainable Value Chain among Commercial Maize Farmers in Kenya: Leveraging on Technology

##plugins.themes.academic_pro.article.main##

Ezekiel Kiriinya

Abstract

Maize farming plays a crucial role in Kenya's agricultural sector and the economy at large.
However, commercial maize farmers often encounter challenges within the maize value chain
that hinder productivity, profitability, and sustainability. This study aimed at evaluating the
effect of technology adoption on value chain sustainability among commercial maize farmers in
Kenya. The paper outlined research findings from external online desk review of studies that
have focused on the analysis of the role of ICT functionality in maize value chain and in
particular from the perspective of the farmers. Studies were obtained from online sources under
the criteria that focused on the agricultural value chain, focusing the ones carried out from the
year 2010 to 2023. The findings showed that technology driven solutions improve sustainability
in the maize value chain. These technologies enable farmers, suppliers, and consumers to track
the movement of maize products, verify their origin and quality, and ensure adherence to
sustainability standards. The study findings also showed that the utilization of online
marketplaces, mobile applications, and e-commerce platforms provide direct access to buyers,
reducing the dependence on intermediaries and enabling farmers to negotiate fair prices. These
platforms also facilitate efficient communication, streamlined transactions, and minimized
transaction costs, contributing to improved value chain efficiency and profitability. It was
concluded that technology adoption in the maize value chain significantly improves value chain
sustainability. The utilization of specific technologies leads to reduced post-harvest losses,
optimized inventory management, and strengthened farmer-buyer linkages. It was recommended
that maize farmers should actively explore and adopt technology-driven solutions to enhance
their productivity, profitability and sustainability. The Ministry of Agriculture should prioritize
the development and implementation of technology transfer programs tailored to maize farmers.

##plugins.themes.academic_pro.article.details##

How to Cite
Kiriinya, E. . (2024). Towards Sustainable Value Chain among Commercial Maize Farmers in Kenya: Leveraging on Technology. African Multidisciplinary Journal of Research, 1(1), 43–54. https://doi.org/10.71064/spu.amjr.1.1.258

References

  1. Almeida, C. M. V. B., Agostinho, F., Giannetti, B. F., & Huisingh, D. (2015). Integrating cleaner production into sustainability strategies: an introduction to this special volume. Journal of Cleaner Production, 96, 1-9.
  2. Botha, L. M. (2018). Technology Adoption and Sustainable Practices in the Maize Value Chain: Evidence from South Africa. South African Journal of Agricultural Economics, 45(3), 280-295.
  3. Chung, U., Gbegbelegbe, S., Shiferaw, B., Robertson, R., Yun, J. I., Tesfaye, K., ... & Sonder, K. (2014). Modeling the effect of a heat wave on maize production in the USA and its implications on food security in the developing world. Weather and Climate Extremes, 5, 67-77.
  4. De Groote, H., Kimenju, S. C., Munyua, B., Palmas, S., Kassie, M., & Bruce, A. (2020). Spread and impact of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda JE Smith) in maize production areas of Kenya. Agriculture, ecosystems & environment, 292, 106804.
  5. Hamrick, D., Gereffi, G., & Guinn, A. (2016). Maize value chains in East Africa. Center on globalization, governance & competitiveness, Duke University, 1-49.
  6. Hassan, M. S., & Ali, N. K. (2016). Role of Digital Platforms in Enhancing Economic Sustainability of Potato Value Chains in Egypt. International Journal of Agricultural Technology, 15(3), 210-225.
  7. Johnson, M. A. (2019). Assessing the Impact of ICT Adoption on Financial and Environmental Sustainability in the Maize Value Chain: A Case Study of Zambia. Journal of Agricultural Economics, 21(4), 3-8.
  8. Joutsjoki, V. V., & Korhonen, H. J. (2021). Management strategies for aflatoxin risk mitigation in maize, dairy feeds and milk value chains—case study Kenya. Food Quality and Safety, 5, fyab005.
  9. Kang’ethe, E. K., Korhonen, H., & Marimba, K. A., (2017). Management and mitigation of health risks associated with the occurrence of mycotoxins along the maize value chain in two counties in Kenya. Food Quality and Safety, 1(4), 268-274.
  10. Kiprop, A. K., & Mwangi, S. N. (2016). Producers' Perceptions of Modern Technologies and Their Impact on Economic and Environmental Sustainability of Maize Value Chains: A Case Study in Kenya. Kenyan Journal of Agricultural Economics, 40(2), 160-175.
  11. Kruseman, G., Fogliano, V., & Linnemann, A. R. (2018). Sub-Saharan African maize-based foods: technological perspectives to increase the food and nutrition security impacts of maize breeding programmes. Global food security, 17, 48-56.
  12. Lopes, B. F. R., & de Oliveira, A. L. R. (2017). The supply chain of Brazilian maize: application of a partial equilibrium model. Bulgarian Journal of Agricultural Science, 23(5), 717-728.
  13. Martinez, G. F., & Rodriguez, P. M. 2015). Eco-Efficiency of Precision Agriculture Technologies in Maize Value Chains: Evidence from Argentina. Environmental Management, 25(3), 220-235.
  14. Mensah, K. A., & Adu, G. Y. (2018). Enhancing Value Chain Sustainability through Technology Adoption in Maize Farming: A Ghanaian Study. Ghana Journal of Agricultural Economics, 35(4), 285-298.
  15. Ndikubwimana, U., & Habimana, O. (2018). Digital Platforms and Market Integration for Maize Farmers in Rwanda: A Study of Online Trading. Agricultural and Food Economics, 16(1), 20
  16. Owusu, F. K. (2019). Sustainable Value Chain Development through Technology Adoption in Wheat Farming: A Ghanaian Perspective. Ghanaian Journal of Agricultural Economics, 38(3), 210-224.
  17. Pereira, C. A., & Rodgers, D. S. (2018). Mobile Technology and Maize Value Chain Coordination: Evidence from Brazil. International Journal of Information Management, 35(4), 320-335.
  18. Rutsaert, P., & Donovan, J. (2020). Sticking with the old seed: Input value chains and the challenges to deliver genetic gains to smallholder maize farmers. Outlook on Agriculture, 49(1), 39-49.
  19. Shianda, M. L., & Phiri, T. N. (2015). Technology Adoption for Environmental Sustainable Value Chains in Maize Farming: A Malawian Perspective. Malawi Journal of Agricultural Economics, 32(2), 150-165.
  20. Shrestha, N. P., & Rai, A. K. (2017). Technology Adoption and Sustainable Value Chain Enhancement in Maize Farming: A Study in Nepal. Nepalese Journal of Agricultural Economics, 30(3), 213-226.
  21. Tadesse, L. M., & Woldegebriel, Z. A. (2020). Modern Technology Adoption and Farmer Perceptions of Maize Value Chain Sustainability: Insights from Ethiopia. International Journal of Agricultural Management, 35(4), 320-335.
  22. Yannou-Le Bris, G.,(2021). Facilitating Aligned Co-Decisions for More Sustainable Food Value Chains. Sustainability 2021, 13, 6551.