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Investigation of the governance structure of Nairobi dairy value chain and its influence on food safety

Kiambi, S; Onono, J O; Kang’ethe, E; Aboge, G O; Murungi, M K; Muinde, P; Akoko, J; Momanyi, K; Rushton, J; Fevre, E M; Alarcon, P

Authors

S Kiambi

J O Onono

E Kang’ethe

G O Aboge

M K Murungi

P Muinde

J Akoko

K Momanyi

J Rushton

E M Fevre

P Alarcon



Abstract

The dairy value chain of Nairobi is comprised, in its majority, of small-scale independent enterprises that operate within a complex interlinked system. In this complexity, the coordination and power structures of the system may have major influences on the management of dairy food safety. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the governance and challenges issues faced by stakeholders throughout the Nairobi dairy value chain and assess their potential implications on food safety. Qualitative data was collected through focus group discussions and key informant interviews based on a dairy value chain mapping framework previously developed. Thematic analysis enabled identification of governance themes, key challenges and their implication on food safety. Themes were organized depending on their association with farmers (informal settlement or peri-urban), dairy cooperatives, dairy traders, processing companies, retailers or government officers. The identified governance themes included: i) weak linkage between government and farmers, ii) inadequate compliance with government regulations by traders and retailers, iii) emphasis on business licenses and permits for revenue rather than for food safety, iv) multiple licensing resulting in high business cost and lack of compliance, v) fragmented regulation, vi) unfair competition and vii) sanctions that do not always result in compliance. The key challenges identified included, amongst others: i) inadequate farmer support, ii) harassment of traders and retailers and iii) high business costs by traders, retailers, dairy cooperatives and large processors. The implication of governance and challenges of food safety were, amongst others: i) inadequate extension services, ii) insufficient cold chain, iii) delivery of adulterated and low milk quality to bulking centres, iv) inadequate food safety training and v) lack of policies for management of waste milk. The range of issues highlighted are based on stakeholders’ perceptions and reflects the complexity of the relationships between them. Many of the governance themes demonstrate the linkages that are both beneficial or confrontational between the formal and informal sectors, and between industry and regulatory authorities, with possible direct food safety consequences. Findings obtained provide indications to decision-makers of potential governance areas that could help improve efficiency and food safety along the dairy value chain.

Citation

Kiambi, S., Onono, J. O., Kang’ethe, E., Aboge, G. O., Murungi, M. K., Muinde, P., …Alarcon, P. (2020). Investigation of the governance structure of Nairobi dairy value chain and its influence on food safety. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 179, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.105009

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Apr 20, 2020
Publication Date Apr 28, 2020
Deposit Date May 4, 2020
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Preventive Veterinary Medicine
Print ISSN 0167-5877
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 179
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.105009
Public URL https://rvc-repository.worktribe.com/output/1377604

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