Detection of the spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii, in continental sub-Saharan Africa

The spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii Matsumura, is an insect pest of soft-skinned fruit, native to Eastern Asia. Since 2008, a world-wide dispersal of D. suzukii is seen, characterized by the establishment of the pest in many Asian, American and European countries. While the potential for invasion of continental Africa by D. suzukii has been predicted, its presence has only been shown for Morocco in Northern Africa. Knowledge about a possible establishment in other parts of the continent is needed as a basis for pest management. In 2019, we carried out a first survey in three counties in Kenya to monitor for the presence of D. suzukii using traps baited with a blend of apple cider vinegar and red wine. A total of 389 D. suzukii flies were captured in a fruit farm at Nakuru county, with more female flies being trapped than males. We confirmed the morphological identification of D. suzukii using DNA barcoding. In 2020, we performed a follow-up survey at 14 locations in six counties to delimit the distribution of D. suzukii in the main berry growing zones in Kenya. The survey indicated that so far D. suzukii is restricted to Nakuru county where it was initially detected. This is the first study to provide empirical evidence of D. suzukii in continental sub-Saharan Africa, confirming that the pest is expanding its geographic range intercontinentally. Given the high dispersal potential of D. suzukii, a concerted effort to develop management strategies is a necessity for containment of the pest

Investigation of the governance structure of Nairobi dairy value chain and its influence on food safety

The dairy value chain of Nairobi is comprised, in its majority, of small-scale independent enterprises that operate within a complex interlinked system. In this complexity, the coordination and power structures of the system may have major influences on the management of dairy food safety. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the governance and challenges issues faced by stakeholders throughout the Nairobi dairy value chain and assess their potential implications on food safety. Qualitative data was collected through focus group discussions and key informant interviews based on a dairy value chain mapping framework previously developed. Thematic analysis enabled identification of governance themes, key challenges and their implication on food safety. Themes were organized depending on their association with farmers (informal settlement or peri-urban), dairy cooperatives, dairy traders, processing companies, retailers or government officers. The identified governance themes included: i) weak linkage between government and farmers, ii) inadequate compliance with government regulations by traders and retailers, iii) emphasis on business licenses and permits for revenue rather than for food safety, iv) multiple licensing resulting in high business cost and lack of compliance, v) fragmented regulation, vi) unfair competition and vii) sanctions that do not always result in compliance. The key challenges identified included, amongst others: i) inadequate farmer support, ii) harassment of traders and retailers and iii) high business costs by traders, retailers, dairy cooperatives and large processors. The implication of governance and challenges of food safety were, amongst others: i) inadequate extension services, ii) insufficient cold chain, iii) delivery of adulterated and low milk quality to bulking centres, iv) inadequate food safety training and v) lack of policies for management of waste milk. The range of issues highlighted are based on stakeholders’ perceptions and reflects the complexity of the relationships between them. Many of the governance themes demonstrate the linkages that are both beneficial or confrontational between the formal and informal sectors, and between industry and regulatory authorities, with possible direct food safety consequences. Findings obtained provide indications to decision-makers of potential governance areas that could help improve efficiency and food safety along the dairy value chain

Structure and performance of formal retail market for bamboo products in Kenya

This study focuses on the bamboo market segments in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu with the aim of addressing uncertainties in market structure and lack of concrete information on market potentials of the products. A stratified random sample of 20 branches of major supermarkets was conducted. The study revealed that most bamboo products are imported, a scenario that results in high product prices and low demand; thus the need to encourage domestic production of products. Conditions of imperfect competition with oligopolistic tendencies characterize the formal retail market. It is necessary to strengthen competition through consumer awareness and information dissemination

Potential of adopting bamboo as an alternative crop to smallholder tobacco farming in South Nyanza region, Kenya

The presentation provides findings from a study that examined changes in household livelihood strategies used by tobacco farmers in comparison to non-tobacco farmers, and assessed marketing dynamics for investment in the bamboo industry in the South Nyanza region (Kenya). At 120 farm trial sites, bamboo seedlings were planted under natural tobacco growing conditions (soil, altitude, rainfall and temperatures). Education and training were provided to farmers. Bamboo matures in 3-4 years and can be harvested for up to 80 -120 years with small capital investment. Recommendations include provision of a transitional fund to support initial input requirements

Potential of adopting bamboo as an alternative crop to smallholder tobacco farming in South Nyanza region, Kenya

The presentation provides findings from a study that examined changes in household livelihood strategies used by tobacco farmers in comparison to non-tobacco farmers, and assessed marketing dynamics for investment in the bamboo industry in the South Nyanza region (Kenya). At 120 farm trial sites, bamboo seedlings were planted under natural tobacco growing conditions (soil, altitude, rainfall and temperatures). Education and training were provided to farmers. Bamboo matures in 3-4 years and can be harvested for up to 80 -120 years with small capital investment. Recommendations include provision of a transitional fund to support initial input requirements