TC4BE MIXED BAGS EXPORT FARMING PRODUCTION ESG Con07072023.pdf

Transformative Change for
Biodiversity & Equity Project
EU Horizon funded project
THE MIXED BAGS OF EXPORT-DRIVEN TEA AND AVOCADO
FARMING ON THE STATE OF BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION
AND ENVIRONMENT WITHIN THE MAU-MARA LANDSCAPE OF
KENYA, EAST AFRICA

1. THE MIXED BAGS OF EXPORT -DRIVEN TEA AND AVOCADO
FARMING ON THE STATE OF BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION
AND ENVIRONMENT WITHIN THE MAU -MARA LANDSCAPE OF
KENYA, EAST AFRICATransformative Change for
Biodiversity & Equity Project
Presentation at 2023 Radboud Conference on Earth System Governance, Nijmegen: Food System Transformation Imaginaries and
Policy Paradigms Session, 25 October 2023
Syallow D.M, Hitimana J., Kimani, P., Ogembo J., Kibet, N., Omondi G.
UniversityofKabianga, Kenya

2. Outline
•Introduction/Background
•Objectives of the study
•Methods & data sources
•Results
•Implications for practice

3. Introduction
➢Agro-commodityexportstandardsXXXinrelationtoproductioncanprovide
environmentalandhumanhealthsafeguards,
➢Increased horticultural production for export markets,
➢Scanty information on net outcome is available,
➢Biodiverse rich landscapes; Mau ( Biodiversity Hotspot)

4. Objectives of the study
The aim
To assess the effects of export-driven tea and avocado farming on the state of
biodiversity and environment
Specifically: To assess
I.Extent of growers involved in export-driven production,
II. Adherence to export standards at production level,
III. Resultant effects on biodiversity and livelihoods in Mau-Mara landscape within Kenya.

5. The StudySite
Kericho
Bomet
Narok

6. Methods & data sources
1.Purposivelyselectionofrespondents:TeaandAvocado,
2.Random selection:Farmers,Contracted/Out-growerfarmers
Conservationgroups(CFAs&WRUA),Teafactories
–Ordinaryfarmers
–BerurSacco-Contractedfarmers-Avocado
–Nyangores&AmalaWaterResourceUsersAssociations(WRUAs)
–Nyangores&NairotiaCommunityForestAssociation(CFAs)
–TeaFactories:Farmers’owned,PrivateCompanies&MNC.
3.Mau-MaraLandscape-Kenya

7. Results-Extent of Tea& Avocado Farming
Tea
•Tea: Kericho & Bomet Counties
•Small holder farmers: 0.5 Acres-5acres
•Private Companies & Multinational: Tea
Estates: 1000-5000 acres,
Avocado
•Bomet County:5%
•Narok: 1%

8. Results-Adherence
level
Tea
✓Varied among entities: low-full
compliance
(Rainforest Alliance:
sustainable farming practices&
Environment Conservation )
% farmers certified
✓Farmer’s owned, Multinational &
Privately owned.

9. Results-Level of Adherence to standards at
production level
✓Avocado farmers-Organic
production, Field hygiene
•95% Fully, compliant
•5%, partial
•Raw: chemical residues

10. Results: Tea Production-Biodiversity& State
of Environment
•Better ground cover, than bare grounds
•Controlled

11. Results: Tea Production-Biodiversity& State
of Environment ( Negative)
•Monoculture: Erosion& siltation
•Loss of natural wildlife habitats:
•Interference of water sources,
•Displacement: loss of grazing grounds, fuelwood,
•Indirectly-high energy demand for tea curing,

12. Results: Avocado Production-Biodiversity& State of
Environment ( Positive impacts)
•Enhanced tree cover
•Integrated with other crops: supports varied life forms,
•Indirectly contributes to reduction of forest destruction
(Nyangores & AmalaForests)

13. Results: Avocado Production-Biodiversity&
State of Environment (Negative)
✓Comparably water intensive crop,

14. Results-Livelihood
Income generation:
Avocado: ( Alternative Livelihood: Maize , Bomet)
•Employment opportunities: Daily wages,
Tea (USD)-
Monthly
Avocado (Usd)-Per
season
Min-Max 319 639
Max 2871 7460
Ave.

15. Conclusion
•Exports standards play a critical role in protecting
environmental conditions,
•Consumers -environmental sensitivity and awareness is key

16. THANK YOU