An exploratory study on organisational linkages along the African indigenous vegetable value chains in Kenya

Abstract

African indigenous vegetables (AIVs) have the potential to contribute substantially to food and nutrition security in Kenya because of their high nutritious value. However, there is a limited pool of knowledge on how AIV innovations are disseminated along the value chain. The study uses the concept of innovation systems and attempts to explore social network analysis in the context of the ALV value chain organisations, using a graph-theoretic method for analysis. Data used in this study are from two counties and were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. The focus was to identifying pathways of interactions between organisations. Information sharing, knowledge and resource flows were used as proxies to connote linkage. The findings show that the linkages between the organisations do exist and was found to be a top–down approach, the producer organisation did not demand for information, knowledge and resources. The role of policy is creating an enabling environment—in this study interpreted as access to information, knowledge and resources—which is critical in ensuring that the organisation along the value chain have access to the information and resources needed to promote the production and utilisation of these vegetables. Strengthening and empowering producers, extension service and marketing organisations is critical for the uptake and adaptation of inclusive innovations along the AIV value chains. This emphasises the need for further research on how to enhance participation among organisations in the development of innovations.

Keywords

• african indigenous vegetables
• organisational linkages
• graph theory
• value chain
• information and knowledge exchange