This IDS Policy Briefing 212 'Horticultre in Kenya: Lessons from the Covid-19 Pandemic' was published in June 2023.
Key messages
- The pandemic had a significant impact on Kenya’s horticultural sector.
- French beans faced a shortage of fresh cargo space and an escalation of challenges in responding to European phytosanitary standards. Demand rose for avocados but the pandemic exacerbated problems with the harvesting of immature avocado fruits.
- From the start of the pandemic, stronger state–business interactions enabled the sector to analyse and respond to emerging issues, facilitated by digital technologies.
- To address opportunities and risks affecting its resilience, the horticulture sector should: embrace digital technology, invest in multisectoral coordination, improve innovative financing mechanisms, support farmer access to clean planting materials for avocados, revitalise extension services, and manage changing market dynamics.
Policy Recommendations and full publication are available to read or download from their website here.