Browsing by Author "Immaculate Babirye"

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Exploring processed common beans market in Kenya: Implications for the business community
(Cogent Food & Agriculture, 2023-02-13) Immaculate Babirye; Florence Nakazi; Eliud Abucheli Birachi; Jackline Bonabana Wabbi; Michael Adrogu Ugen; Gabriel Elepu
In Kenya, like in many developing countries, the food consumption patterns among the elites and middle classes are shifting towards the consumption of convenient processed foods. This has led research and development initiatives in Kenya to innovate the-shelf bean products to meet the changing consumer needs. However, there is limited information on how the various processed bean processors and distributors are performing. This study explores the structure and performance of the processed common bean market to advise the would-be contenders in the same business. To achieve this, the study applied the structure, conduct, and performance framework to analyze data that was collected from 19 bean processors and 90 distributors. Study findings show that the market structure of firms processing common beans exhibited oligopolistic tendencies with 4 firms controlling 89% of the entire market, while its distribution proved to be more competitive with 4 firms controlling 16% of the market. Initial investment and limited product market are the primary barriers that make bean processing an undesirable venture for many new entrants. To gain momentum, compete with already established brands, and break the oligopoly tendencies in the market, medium-scale processors should be facilitated with tax exemptions. Products produced by home companies should be widely advertised. There is also a need for distribution strategies that can easily get the processed common beans market to consumers to maintain competition and low stock turnover for the products at the distribution level.
Quality and Price of Beans at the Market Node in Five Districts of Uganda
(National Agricultural Research Organisation, 2024-05-17) Immaculate Babirye; Michael Hilary Otim; Pamela Paparu
We investigated the varieties of beans traded in five districts of Uganda and the factors affecting the quality and price of the beans at the market node. A semi-linear hedonic price model with 12 variables categorized as product and trader attributes was used to determine the factors influencing prices. Traders were found to be unmindful of the names of new bean varieties released by NARO. They used various names for both the new and local varieties. Brokers were identified as the leading suppliers of poor-quality beans. The respondents cited variations in the quality of beans received from different suppliers. Beans that were owned by traders exhibited slightly higher moisture content (17%) than is recommended. Storage insect infestation was identified as the primary cause of quality decline. Product attributes were associated with changes in the prices of beans. However, their effect was comparatively lower than the traders’ characteristics. We recommend targeted sensitization about new bean varieties, emphasizing their benefits, post-harvest handling, and quality requirements at all value chain nodes. Monitoring trader traits and societal factors associated with price fluctuations is also crucial to price stability.