Structure and conduct of cross-border bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) marketing in east Africa: the case of western Kenya and eastern Uganda

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the current status of cross-border bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) marketing patterns in the border districts of Kenya and Uganda, with a view to improving the marketing system in the region. Common bean is the most important pulse in Kenya and Uganda. It is a major source of food and income. Smallholder farmers in both countries have adopted improved bean varieties. However, there is inadequate empirical evidence on the bean grain characteristics preferred by consumers, the geographical distribution of the bean cultivars and the marketing patterns. The objectives of this study were to identify and assess the bean marketing channels and structure in the study area. It was hypothesised that there are no barriers to entry in the bean business in the study area. Purposive, multistage and systematic random sampling methods were used to select the study districts, bean farmers and traders, respectively. Two hundred and ten respondents were interviewed using structured questionnaires. Structure–conduct–performance (S-C-P) model was used to describe the bean marketing system. The study revealed four marketing channels in both Kenya and Uganda. The degree of concentration at the retail and wholesale levels show that the markets are competitive. There are barriers to entry into the bean business in the study area. No collusive or predatory tactics were observed in the bean marketing system. However, the study revealed that there is poor market information flow in the marketing system.