Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/329366 
Year of Publication: 
2025
Citation: 
[Journal:] Economies [ISSN:] 2227-7099 [Volume:] 13 [Issue:] 4 [Article No.:] 86 [Year:] 2025 [Pages:] 1-21
Publisher: 
MDPI, Basel
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.
Subjects: 
opportunities
SWOT analysis
market values
value chain actors
agricultural production
production constraints
agricultural technologies
ecologies
Persistent Identifier of the first edition: 
Creative Commons License: 
cc-by Logo
Document Type: 
Article

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