Agroecological transition can boost Kenya's food system: evidence from a cost?benefit analysis of the mango value chain
Frontiers
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Abstract: This study examines the economic viability of agroecological transition in Kenya's food systems through a cost-benefit analysis of the mango value chain in Makueni County. The research evaluates farm-level interventions such as intercropping, postharvest loss reduction, and organic input application, alongside business-level strategies including physical expansion, product diversification, and postharvest handling improvements. Using discounted cost-benefit analysis with primary and secondary data, the study found that agroecological transition is economically viable at both farm and business levels, with farm-level net present values between US$300-400 and internal rates of return between 100-325%, while business-level operations demonstrated net present values above US$10,000 with internal rates of return of 15-37%. The findings indicate that agroecological transition can deliver substantial environmental, health, and social benefits including reduced agro-chemical exposure and enhanced ecological synergy, though supportive policy, institutional, and financial mechanisms are necessary to facilitate sustainable food systems transformation in vulnerable low- and middle-income country contexts.