CABI News

CABI-led research recommends a public-private partnership approach to open access to high-quality niche markets to help improve the livelihoods of smallholder fruit and vegetable producers in Rwanda and Zambia.

The study, published in the journal Sustainability, says there remains a ‘paucity of understanding of market needs and quality and safety standards amongst smallholders which is limiting their market potential.

Their plight is exacerbated by low-input, low-technology farming methods, and inadequate pre-and-post harvest handling.

Scientists from CABI’s regional centre for Africa in Nairobi, Kenya, and its centre in Lusaka, Zambia, teamed-up with colleagues from JUVILE Options and Solutions Ltd and the Rwanda Agriculture Board and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), for the research and interviewed 340 fruit and vegetable farmers (FFV) and key informants.

Markets pose low barriers to entry for smallholders

They found that the value chains for target FFVs are still traditional, predominantly targeting local markets. These markets pose low barriers to entry for smallholders, and often with few safety and quality requirements.

The researchers argue that, to bridge the gaps identified, farmers should be organized into legally recognised entities, to enable access to compliance information, reduce transaction costs, and provide access to high-quality niche markets through public-private partnerships.

They add that countries also need to develop industry codes of practice and quality management systems and support farmers to stick to them.

Dr Morris Akiri, lead author of the study and CABI’s Senior Regional Director, Africa, said, “Agriculture is vital for economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa. In Rwanda and Zambia, the sector drives economic output, particularly the horticulture sector, which has emerged as a significant contributor to export revenue and employment for resource-poor rural communities.

“As agri-food value chains become globally connected, there are increasing concerns about food safety and both the social and environmental sustainability benefits of production, which has underscored the need for producers to comply with certain regulatory standards.

“This paper uses a value chain analysis approach to assess the factors influencing compliance among smallholder fresh fruit and vegetable (FFV) producers in Zambia and Rwanda, and identify practices essential for achieving widespread compliance, to enhance the competitiveness of the sector.”

Agriculture stands as the cornerstone of economic growth

Agriculture stands as the cornerstone of economic growth across sub-Saharan Africa, employing over 52% of the labour force within the region.

In Rwanda and Zambia specifically, this sector serves as a pivotal driver of both employment and economic output, with 52% and 59% of their respective labour forces engaged in agricultural activities.

In Rwanda, agriculture has demonstrated remarkable consistency in terms of growth, boasting an annual average rate of 5% since 2007, contributing significantly to the national GDP at 25% and serving as a crucial source of foreign exchange, responsible for 37% of the country’s export value in the 2021–2022 fiscal year.

Notably, the horticultural sub-sector has emerged as a significant contributor to export revenue and employment opportunities for resource-poor rural communities, with vegetable exports alone constituting 57.5% of total agricultural export earnings in 2018–2019.

Conversely, Zambia has witnessed a decline in the agricultural sector’s contribution to GDP, dropping from 15.6% in 2004 to a mere 2.73% in 2020. Despite this, agriculture remains a primary source of livelihood for much of the rural population, with increasing momentum observed in the horticultural sub-sector.

This growth is evidenced by a substantial increase in the production of fresh vegetables, rising from 218,581 tonnes in 2001 to an estimated 368,003 tonnes by 2020.

Adherence to food safety standards is crucial

Dr Monica Kansiime, co-author of the study and CABI’s Deputy Director, Development and Outreach, Africa, said, “This study is justified by the urgent need to improve food safety, market accessibility, and competitiveness for smallholder FFV producers. “Smallholder farmers’ adherence to food safety standards is crucial for protecting consumer health and gaining market trust, as compliance reduces the risk of contamination and foodborne illnesses.

“Additionally, smallholder farmers often face significant barriers to entering high-value markets due to stringent regulatory and market standards. Identifying and implementing effective interventions can help these farmers meet the necessary standards, thereby opening new market opportunities for them and leading to greater economic opportunities.

“Furthermore, improving compliance with standards supports sustainable agricultural practices, contributing to the broader goals of environmental sustainability and resilience in the face of market and climate challenges.”

The scientists add that the research offers practical insights and customised recommendations that are unique to the environments in Zambia and Rwanda.

They say that the findings will provide valuable insights for policymakers in Zambia and Rwanda, aiding in the development of potential reforms and long-term advisory programmes to support small-scale farmers in adhering to production and market standards.

Additional information

Main image: The CABI-led research recommends public-private partnership approach to open access to high-quality niche markets (Credit: Pixabay).

Full paper reference

Akiri M, Mbugua F, Njunge R, Agwanda C, Gurmessa NE, Phiri NA, Musebe R, Kalisa JP, Uzayisenga B, Kansiime MK, et al. Intervention Options for Enhancing Smallholder Compliance with Regulatory and Market Standards for High-Value Fruits and Vegetables in Rwanda and Zambia. Sustainability. 2024; 16(14):6243. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16146243

You can read the paper in full here.

Value chains and trade

By helping farmers improve the quality and safety of what they grow, process, and sell, CABI helps create sustainable value chains and breaks down barriers to trade. Find out more here.