Intervention Options for Enhancing Smallholder Compliance with Regulatory and Market Standards for High-Value Fruits and Vegetables in Rwanda and Zambia

Abstract

Agriculture is vital for economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa. In Rwanda and Zambia, the sector drives economic output, particularly the horticulture sector, which has emerged as a significant contributor to export revenue and employment for resource-poor rural communities. As agri-food value chains become globally connected, there are increasing concerns about food safety and both the social and environmental sustainability benefits of production, which has underscored the need for producers to comply with certain regulatory standards. This paper uses a value chain analysis approach to assess the factors influencing compliance among smallholder fresh fruit and vegetable (FFV) producers in Zambia and Rwanda, and identify practices essential for achieving widespread compliance, to enhance the competitiveness of the sector. The data were gathered from 340 FFV farmers and key informants using structured questionnaires. The results reveal that the value chains for target FFVs are still traditional, predominantly targeting local markets. These markets pose low barriers to entry for smallholders, and often with few safety and quality requirements. As such, there remains a paucity of understanding of market needs and regarding quality and safety standards amongst smallholders, which, coupled with low-input, low-technology farming methods, and inadequate pre- and post-harvest handling, limit the market potential. To bridge these gaps, this study recommends organising farmers into legally recognised entities, to enable access to compliance information, reduce transaction costs, and provide access to high-quality niche markets through public–private partnerships. Countries also need to develop industry codes of practice and quality management systems and support farmers to adhere to them.