| dc.description.abstract | The objectives of this study were to investigate stakeholder analysis and management practices in the horticulture industry in Kenya as well as identify the factors, which influence these practices. To satisfy these objectives, the author first carried out a review of the literature so as to establish the current status of the subject area.
The study used primary data, which was collected by use of a questionnaire delivered by 'drop and pick' method. The data was obtained from 50 farms, which made up the population of interest. It was then analyzed using percentages. Findings of this study revealed that there are certain factors that influence stakeholder analysis and management, though they are all perceived differently.
First, the study revealed that stakeholder analysis and management in the horticulture industry is a necessary management practice. The perception of stakeholder analysis and management is however lacking and the strategies applied for stakeholder analysis and management and seriously lacking. Second, the appreciation of the influence of the foreign customer and foreign community is highly positive. It is probable that they are the key consumers of the farms produce.
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In reference to the study findings, a number of recommendations have been made to indicate the urgent need for horticulture farms to consciously recognize and involve stakeholder groups and manage them to enhance relations and productivity. Pursuing properly crafted strategies in stakeholder analysis and management should counter the turbulence that has been characteristic of the horticulture industry in Kenya.
The research finding on stakeholder analysis and practices, was that there was a definite need for ingrained involvement and assessment of stakeholder groups. The Kenya Flower Council (KFC), Fresh Produce Exporters Association (FPEAK), The countries belonging to the ACP (African Caribbean Pacific) groups of states, are all concerned by the consumer health aspects of Agricultural chemicals, the health of the farm workers, Quality Assurance, to meet ethical and
environmental standards and even to establish an auction marketing system to
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boost the members earning. The associations appreciate the problems dogging
the industry and have put up a formidable front to address these issues on behalf of the member firms.
The objectives of this study have been met. The general conclusion form this study, is that the horticulture industry in Kenya perceives stakeholder analysis and stakeholder management practices as a positive improvement in strategy | en |
