This archive report was first published on 19 June 2020.
Agribusiness: A Lifeline During Covid-19 ¶
Published on June 19, 2020
With the Covid-19 pandemic showing no signs of slowing down, many people have turned to agribusiness as a means of survival. Selling fresh produce from the boots of their vehicles along main highways and urban centres has become a common sight.
According to Dr. Jecinta Mwirigi, an agricultural specialist, the increase in agribusiness is due to the government listing the sector as one of the essential service providers during the pandemic.
Many people who were laid off from formal employment have turned to agribusiness as a way to occupy themselves meaningfully during the pandemic. Others are trying to curb post-harvest loss of fresh farm produce by selling at strategic locations.
Key Considerations for Agribusiness ¶
Before getting into agribusiness, there are several key considerations to keep in mind. These include:
- Commodity selection: The list of agricultural commodities is limitless, including fresh crops, livestock products, and forestry products.
- Site selection: Common sites include along the highway, local town centres, and farm gate. The site should enable you to meet the 5am to 9pm Covid-19 guideline and purchase adequate fresh produce on a daily basis.
- Capital outlay and project term: Your reason for starting the business will dictate the project duration and capital investment.
- Marketing strategy: The current vending strategies include use of boots of personal vehicles and spreading of commodities on the ground. The strategy one chooses depends on available resources.
Best Practices for Agribusiness ¶
Some of the best practices for agribusiness include:
- Improving on food safety through hygienic handling of goods.
- Reducing competition by supplementing others.
- Improving on food safety through hygienic handling of goods.
- Carrying all the waste with you every day and leaving the site as clean as you found it.
Challenges Facing Agribusiness ¶
Despite the growth of agribusiness, there are several challenges facing the sector. These include:
- RSV (Roadside Vending) is expanding faster than urban informal economy and there is need for policy makers to re-strategise on this important part of the economy.
- Some commodities like milk should not be hawked due to the stringent pasteurisation legal requirement; challenges with adulteration; and its high perishable nature.
Dr. Mwirigi is an agricultural specialist.
