Transaction and Information Pain Points in African Indigenous Vegetable Value Chains in Western Kenya

The project also focuses on understanding how digital platforms using BCT will secure the place of women and youth in the value chain. This report documents AIV value chain characteristics, gender and age dynamics, and pain points to identify where BCT may be an appropriate solution to improving value chain functionality. The project was made possible through a LASER PULSE grant, funded by USAID. LASER PULSE is a five-year, $70M program that delivers research-driven solutions to field-sourced development challenges in USAID interest countries. A consortium led by Purdue University implements the LASER PULSE program through a growing network of 2,500+ researchers and development practitioners in 61 countries. The study area for this project is Western Kenya, specifically Kakamega county. The methodology employed includes a value chain analysis, which examined the core processes, material flows, and actors involved in the AIV value chain. The study identified producers, middle people, retailers, and consumers as key actors in the value chain. Risks for value chain actors were also identified, including transactional efficiency and pain points, transactional trust, and gendered transaction perceptions. The study found that transactional efficiency and pain points were significant challenges in the AIV value chain. Transactional trust was also a concern, with many actors expressing distrust in the value chain. Gendered transaction perceptions were also identified, with women-headed households facing greater challenges in accessing markets and information. The study also found that technology usage was limited, with many actors lacking access to digital platforms and tools. COVID-19 and technology concerns were also identified as significant challenges in the value chain. Food security and socio-economic status were also found to be critical factors in the value chain, with many actors struggling to access nutritious food and improve their socio-economic status.