A food system analysis of Kenya’s mango, avocado and poultry sectors : Assessing opportunities to reduce food losses

Kenya is considered one of the economic powerhouses of eastern Africa. The agri-food system contributes 34 percent of the total national GDP and 65 percent of all export related earnings. More than 80 percent of the Kenyan population is directly dependent on agriculture as a source of food and income. Due to inefficiencies in the supply chains, vast volumes of perishable, nutrition dense food products are lost before they reach the market or consumers. Post-harvest losses of over 40 percent are common in the case of perishable and nutrition dense agricultural products such as fruits and vegetables and fresh animal products. Reducing post-harvest losses enhances the efficiency of the food system, reduces waste, minimizes environmental footprint of agricultural production, and makes more food available, accessible and affordable for consumers.