Assessing the Factors Influencing European Union Quality Standards of Green Beans in Kenya

David Oluwaponmile Fakayode

Master's thesis

Abstract:

Kenya’s green bean farming is a significant contributor to the country’s agricultural export economy, with compliance to European Union (EU) quality standards emerging as a crucial factor in determining access to international markets. This study investigates the key factors influencing Kenyan farmers' adherence to these difficult standards, with a specific focus on social, economic, environmental, and regulatory dimensions. Guided by the Theory of Access, the research explores how differential access to capital, knowledge, authority, and social identity impacts the likelihood of certification among green bean producers. Using both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods consisting of 194 farmers and 3 key informants. Probit regression analysis was used to analyze the factors influencing the certification possession. The role of Frigoken, a major exporter and certification facilitator, emerges as a pivotal factor in bridging resource and knowledge gaps, offering targeted support to green bean farmers. The findings showed that the likelihood of certification possession was significantly influenced by gender and education level of the farmers, together with access to extension services, land tenure security, access to technology, and access to credit. Contrary to prevailing assumptions, farm size and market distance were not statistically significant, suggesting that inclusivity and targeted interventions can enable even small-scale farmers to achieve certification. The findings advocated for gender-sensitive policies, enhanced extension services, improved access to affordable credit, and investment in rural education and land security as key strategies for improving compliance rates. This research contributes to the understanding of sustainable agricultural practices within the context of global trade. By identifying critical enablers and barriers to certification, it offers practical insights for agribusiness stakeholders, policymakers, and development agencies seeking to enhance the competitiveness and inclusivity of Kenya’s green bean farming in the international market.

Keywords

Certification, Market access, Value-chain management, Women empowerment

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 25. 4. 2026

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: Ing. Petra Chaloupková, Ph.D. dr. h. c.
• Reader: Elisha Otieno Gogo, externi

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences

Master programme:
International Development and Agricultural Economics