Phytosanitary and Technical Quality Challenges in Export Fresh Vegetables and Strategies to Compliance with Market Requirements: Case of Smallholder Snap Beans in Kenya

Kenya is one of the leading exporters snap beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) to Europe, but export volume has remained below potential mainly due failure meet market quality standards. The concerns include presence regulated and quarantine pests, pesticide residues, harmful organisms, noncompliance with technical These challenges call for development alternative approaches in overcoming phytosanitary other fresh vegetables. may integrated pest management (IPM) that incorporate non synthetic chemical options, such as diversified cropping systems, plant microbial-based pesticides, varieties multiple disease resistance, insecticidal soaps, pheromones kairomones, entomopathogens predators. approaches, coupled capacity-building adherence set standards, will improve compliance requirements. aim this paper increase knowledge on implementing good practices across value chain vegetables would lead improved thereby meeting institutional requirements market. novelty current review using a model vegetable discuss must be mitigated quest achieving high increased products. Whilst many publications have focused alternatives pesticides addressing MRLs exports, there disconnect between research industry residue free This describes faced by smallholder farmers accessing markets, evaluates niche explores strategies could used enhance