Spatial Patterns of African Indigenous Vegetables Value Chain Actors: The Case of Narok and Kajiado County, Kenya.
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abstract
The ever-increasing demand of vegetables has emphasized the importance of vegetable commodities in the horticulture industry. Vegetables grown and consumed in Kenya are categorized as either exotic or indigenous. Indigenous vegetables have comparative advantages over exotic vegetables such as high resilience to harsh climates. These vegetables among other crops have in the past significantly contributed to the nutritional and economic wellbeing of agricultural communities. Thus, this study of African indigenous vegetable (AIVs) value chain actors was conducted for the purpose of analyzing spatial patterns of AIVs value chain actors in Narok and Kajiado County to encourage more farmers, particularly women and youth consider AIVs production and marketing as an occupation. The study locations were selected through a systematic sampling technique and households were selected through a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected from 217 (n = 217) respondents and analysis was conducted using nearest neighbor ratio (NNR). The study found clustering of value chain actors and concluded that value chain actors were clustering based on proximity and commodity. The findings imply that value chain actors can form clusters to achieve higher volumes and clusters can be used by Extension service providers as reference points in disseminating agricultural information. Further research is recommended into cluster farming on its suitability as a tool for Extension and organization of farmers associations for improving livelihoods. Lastly, information generated by this study would positively contribute towards the development of AIVs value chain strategies in Kenya.
