By Josphat Njenga Gichure Networking and traceability systems in the organic fresh produce value chain By Josphat Njenga Gichure

Introduction A value chain is the network of all the activities/ actors involved in delivering a product/service to the customer Sourcing of raw materials, bulking, trade, distribution, delivery This network promotes information sharing along chain Despite this, information asymmetry is often a characteristic present in food value chains high information asymmetry reduces trust and may compromise food safety and quality

Introduction cont... Important information include: product location, production process, farm & processor identity, harvesting time, status of organic certification, storage time, storage condition, etc Traceability should bring out how information flows thro’ communication linkages among actors. The information should also identify, verify and isolate cases of non-compliance to sector standards.

Aim & Observation To design an information sharing “traceability” system for the organic fresh produce value chain

Methodology Two- step approach was used: Identifying certified organic producers and traders Evaluating the factors that contribute to implementation of traceability among these actors. Semi-structured questionnaires as guide to interviews. A total of 38 organic kale farmers, 10 traders and 2 organic farmers’ market officials were interviewed.

Fresh produce value chain

Results No standard way of sharing information exists. Some basic information that ought to be shared was delinked along the value chain. There exists limited backward and forward feedback

Conclusion The major factors that contribute to adequate traceability are: Close Monitoring and verification of quality systems Certification by quality management systems such as EAOPS Training of personnel on quality systems. product identification supply chain actors process characterization product movement data input and analysis information storage and transmission