Peanut value chain development: the case of Lower Lake Victoria Basin of Kenya

Date published

2025-03-25

Free to read from

2025-04-25

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Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

MDPI

Department

Type

Article

ISSN

2227-7099

Format

Citation

Odunga GO, Bidzakin JK, Okaka P, et al., (2025) Peanut value chain development: the case of Lower Lake Victoria Basin of Kenya. Economies, Volume 13, Issue 4, April 2025, Article number 86

Abstract

Peanut is Kenya’s second most important legume after beans, primarily grown in the Nyanza and Western regions. This study maps the peanut value chain in Kenya, aiming to identify key actors, quantify costs and value addition, and outline constraints and opportunities, with a view to upgrading the chain. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among value chain actors in Karachuonyo and Nyakach sub-counties, complemented by secondary data sources. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze socio-economic characteristics, production volumes, pricing, demand trends, and policy-related factors. The findings indicate a predominance of female farmers (68%) in peanut production, though few use improved technologies; only 26% were aware of improved seed varieties, and just 1.5% reported using them. Fertilizer usage was absent, attributed to high costs, soil conditions, and limited knowledge. The wholesale and processing segments are male-dominated, largely due to capital intensity and travel requirements, while female traders dominate the retail sector. Strengths Weaknesses Opportunity and Threats (SWOT) analysis highlighted the significant potential of favorable production ecologies, processing options, and robust demand in local and international markets. Key constraints identified include limited seed availability, high fertilizer costs, pest issues, and declining soil fertility. Policy implications include increasing access to affordable inputs, promoting gender-inclusive programs, investing in agricultural research and infrastructure, supporting sustainable farming practices, and fostering public-private partnerships to expand processing and market access.

Description

This article belongs to the Collection Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics

Software Description

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Github

Keywords

38 Economics, 3801 Applied Economics, 3803 Economic Theory, 2 Zero Hunger, 3801 Applied economics, 3803 Economic theory, opportunities, SWOT analysis, market values, value chain actors, agricultural production, production constraints, agricultural technologies, ecologies

DOI

Rights

Attribution 4.0 International

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Funder/s

This research was funded by the EU H2020 EWA-BELT project [862848] “Linking East and West African farming systems experience into a BELT of sustainable intensification” coordinated by the Desertification Research Centre of the University of Sassari.