Global Good Agricultural Practices Adoption and Competitive Advantage by Kenya Fruit Exporters

Abstract

Global GAP certification was introduced by several European retailers and whole sellers. The aim was to ensure producers adhere to set regulation and meeting customer needs for quality and safe products. Kenya fruit exporters continue to implement global GAP practice despite certification process being costly to adopt and implement. The study investigated adoption of global GAP practices and its competitive advantage to Kenya fruit exporters. The specific study objectives were to establish the levels of practice of global GAP by Kenya fruit exporters and determine the impact of global GAP competitive advantages. The research design used for the study was cross sectional survey among seventeen Kenya fruit exporters. The study used questionnaires in collecting data. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistic to summarize the results and presented using tables and figures. The study revealed that Kenya fruit exporters implement global GAP practices to the great extent. These confirmed that global GAP is mandatory before being allowed exporting fruits to Europe. Global GAP practices being implemented were product quality, technical support and training, communication, workers welfare and environment conservation. The study found that the exporters gain competitive advantage by accessing new market, improved company image, improved productivity, market sustainability and reduced cost operation. The study recommend use of global GAP practices as a tool of competitive advantage to Kenya fruit exporters. Despite the cost of implementing global GAP is high exporter it should not hinder them as benefits exceed the cost incur.