Distribution and sourcing of fresh fruits and vegetables within Nairobi City County

Despite a rapidly transiting city, the operational nature of Nairobi City food system is unclear. A sample of retailers, collector agents at farm level, trader aggregators and wholesalers was obtained from survey sites within key markets in Nairobi city. The survey tool for this study the Rapid Urban Food System Assessment Tools (RUFSAT). Results of survey showed that the most traded vegetables were cabbages (25%) and tomatoes (22%), while fruits were mangoes (11%) and watermelon (13%). Of those interviewed, 40 percent were retailers and 60 percent were wholesalers, with 52% being female. All the vegetables were restocked on a daily basis while fruits had restocking frequency of up to 2 to 3 times a month. Mangoes and tomatoes had the widest distribution of source regions. The main mode of transport used was trucks or open pick-up vehicles. Oranges and tangerines had the longest mean distance from the source (478 km) while kales had the shortest (72 km). Low turnover of sales (33%), extended wet season (26%), poor offloading of produce and rodents were cited as some of the main causes of food wastage. The main function applied to the FFVs was grading and sorting while only 6.7% of the traders did any processing. Perception on usage of chemicals and market hygiene conditions was cited by respondents as important food safety concerns. Municipal services and infrastructure status such as cold storage, space for market stalls, education and training were rated lowest by all the respondents. Rules and regulations on import licences, water pollution, good agricultural practices were noted by 100% of the respondents as appropriate measures but lacking in enforcement. Information from the study would be useful for all stakeholders involved in the food chain for developing an urban food system strategy for the growing city of Nairobi.