Abstract:
The inclusion of rural smallholder farmers in the export of horticultural products has two major
implications: increased household income through a promising global market, which is a catalyst
for productivity, cumulatively growing Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and foreign exchange.
So far, there are an estimated 2500 smallholder farmers who participate in the export of
horticulture in Kenya. As a result, the current study sought to establish the influence of export
environment on the relationship between market standard dimensions and export market growth
of the horticultural products from small scale farmers in south rift of Kenya. The study collected
quantitative data using a structured questionnaire from a sample of 334 small-scale horticultural
farmers who were randomly selected. Validity and reliability tests were performed before the
main study. Then, descriptive and multiple regression was used to analyze the data. Export
environment was measured through: government support and services for export, government
regulations and certifications and trade agreements and market access. Findings indicated that
there was a statistically significant influence relationship between market standard dimensions
and the growth of horticultural export market, where export environment on each predictor
variable had the highest influence on market dynamics, followed by quality control, traceability and post-harvest handling practices being the least. This implies that the export environment
plays a critical role in making the smallholder farmers’ products more competitive in export
market. The study concluded that, appropriate policies, regulations and trade agreements were
critical in market standards compliance. The government should create a framework to
effectively disseminate information on trade agreements so as to benefit farmers and in addition
establish collaboration between farmers, the government and private sector in export intervention
measures.
