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

2. 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

3. 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.

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

5. 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.

6. Fresh produce value chain

7. 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

8. 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