Murimi M. L^1,, Kledal R. P², Wahome R.G³

The organic agriculture sector in Kenya remains in nascent stages of growth, with little policy or financial support rendering producers unable to maintain consistent supply of organic products. The study sought to map the domestic organic sector in Nairobi and the adjacent counties where the main domestic markets and organic farmers in Kenya were located. Data were collected from organic farmers on production and marketing practices as well as the challenges faced. Value Chain and SWOT analyses were then performed to describe the domestic organic value chain. The market consisted of input suppliers, organic outlets, small scale organic producers, consumers and several support organisations. In addition to production functions, organic farmers were involved in retailing and production of organic inputs. The producers at about 52 years’ average age, worked on an average of one acre land units with up to 8 years of formal education. About 19 per cent of them were not certified and up to 43 per cent of the organic farmers sold through conventional channels. Integrating to perform the retailing function improved farmers’ incomes. The main challenges included inadequate inputs, information, high certification costs and few organic market outlets close to the farmers. These results provide a baseline for in-depth research and coordination of the organic sector.

domestic market, Kenya, organic products, SWOT analysis, value chain functions