Title: Flow of materials in a market system: food security and environmental sustainability perspective

Authors: George K. Ngusale; Michael O. Oloko

Addresses: School of Engineering and Technology, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga of Science and Technology, 210-40601 Bondo, Kenya ' School of Engineering and Technology, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga of Science and Technology, 210-40601 Bondo, Kenya

Abstract: Worldwide, there is a challenge of feeding growing population calling for discussions on flow of food materials in a market system. In Kenya, this discussion has been lacking that could aid in identification of opportunities for ensuring food security and environmental sustainability. This paper considered Kibuye market as a convergent area of food materials into Kisumu city. A survey was administered to market traders in Kibuye to ascertain products traded in market; their age and sex; source of products; quantity and types of wastes generated, among others. Results revealed majority of traders are women; highest level is primary education; most products are sourced outside Kisumu; most waste products are not sorted and recycled on disposal. This paper concludes that food security and environmental sustainability can be achieved through proper design of market sections; adopting preservation technologies; sensitisation and establishment of technology testing, demonstration and training sites.

Keywords: market systems; food security; food wastage; environmental sustainability; Kisumu; Kibuye.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMABS.2018.097907

International Journal of Markets and Business Systems, 2018 Vol.3 No.4, pp.317 - 332

Received: 03 Mar 2018
Accepted: 08 Aug 2018
Published online: 22 Feb 2019 *

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