ICT Use for an Integrated Chain-Wide Traceability System: A Case Study of the Avocado Value Chain in Nandi County, Kenya

Kenya is among the top ten avocado exporters in the world and the top exporter in Africa. There is a rising demand for good-quality avocados in the domestic market in Kenya and globally. Food safety is also increasingly becoming a big concern for consumers of fresh food in local and domestic markets. This study was conducted as part of the SiA-funded FORQLAB (Food Waste Reduction and Food Quality Living Lab) project. The project’s objective is to contribute to structural reduction of post-harvest and food losses and food quality improvement in the Kenyan avocado value chain via the application of technical solutions and tools as well as improved chain governance competencies. The specific focus of this study was the assessment of the readiness of stakeholders in the local and export-oriented avocado chain in adopting integrated ICT-based traceability solutions. It also made an inventory of the various ICT technologies that can be used to develop an integrated traceability system. Other focus areas of the study included understanding the value chain and governance structure of the avocado chain. The study area was Nandi County, Kenya. The study was modeled on a conceptual framework that combined the Network Readiness Index, value chain analysis, and the Triple-Layered Business Model Canvas. The study concluded that there are existing and emerging technologies that can be used to develop an integrated ICT-enabled traceability system. These include existing solutions like SokoFresh, UjuziKilimo, and GTNet by Tracesoft and emerging technologies like Blockchain and IoT sensor technology. These would be used in a hybrid format with information being shared in cloud-based solutions like Amazon Web Services and accessed by users via a user interface like an app.