Agroecological Transition Can Boost Kenya’s Food System: Evidence from a Cost‒Benefit Analysis of the Mango Value Chain
Agroecological transition offers a sustainable pathway for food systems transformation in many low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, empirical evidence on its economic viability remains limited, particularly beyond farm-level assessments and from a systems perspective. To fill this gap, we conducted a cost-benefit analysis associated with agroecological transition in two existing business models—at the farm and business levels—for the mango value chain in Makueni County, Kenya.
Our analysis considered farm-level agroecological interventions, such as intercropping, postharvest loss reduction activities, and the application of organic inputs. Business-level agroecological interventions included the businesses’ physical expansion, product and market diversification, and appropriate postharvest handling.
This study used a discounted cost–benefit analysis within a value chain framework, drawing on primary and secondary data, to assess the economic viability of agroecological transition using NPV, IRR, benefit–cost ratio, and payback period indicators. Our findings show that the benefits associated with agroecological transition significantly outweigh the costs, at both levels.