Introducing Sustainable Consumption and Production to Horticultural Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in Kenya #GOALANproject Horticultural Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in Naivasha, Kenya, can now actively reduce their environmental footprint and become more sustainable after participating in the Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) training conducted as part of the CSCP’s GOALAN project. In Kenya, the horticulture industry is the fastest growing agricultural sub-sector. It is one of the top foreign exchange earners for the country generating approximately US$ 1 billion annually. Kenya exports 700 tons of fresh produce every week, of which 250 tons (33%) come from Lake Naivasha basin. Due to the rapid growth of the horticulture industry around the lake, the basin has gained increasing importance as an economic hub for the country. However, this has come with a high price for the environment. Poor cultivation practices worsen soil erosion, accelerate river siltation and increase lake sedimentation. The run-off from farm fields where farmers intensively use agro-chemicals and fertilizers has caused water pollution to the already dry environment and soil damage that reduce soil fertility, resulting fruits and vegetables with poor quality. To reduce environmental impacts of the horticulture sector, six SCP training sessions were organised in various geographical locations in the basin. At each location, around 15-20 entrepreneurs – 30% women and youth – attended the SCP training. During the training, participants learned about the economic, social and environmental benefits of applying SCP practices in their farms. They were also guided through eight key topics, which include soil conservation, biodiversity, integrated pest management, sustainable waste management, water conservation, use of renewable energy, sustainable harvesting and post-harvest handling techniques, and use of climate-resilient crop varieties. The SCP training was held back to back with sessions from the Kenya Horticulture Crops Directorate (HCD) which introduced the recently launched certification for horticultural produce such as fruits and vegetables. In this session, the entrepreneurs were informed of factors that they need to take into consideration when they want to obtain the certification. By having the certification, the MSMEs can communicate the sustainability of their produce to bulk buyers. A demo activity during the training on KS 1758 on the importance of keeping chemicals away from vegetables and fruits (Source: CSCP/GOALAN Project, 2019) Through the training, MSMEs are now aware applying SCP practices and obtaining the new certification will open up new market opportunities for them. In the long run they can expand to cater to the export market, especially when they can work together as a producer group, ensuring stable supply of high quality produce. Upon learning about this potential, many young entrepreneurs expressed their excitement. Elizabeth Wanjiru (35) from Duro village said, “I’m willing to work hard so I will know how to apply SCP and farm better. This way we can sell our sustainable produce at a better price and create our own jobs, so my children don’t have to go far to other cities to find job.” Simon Mbiu (56), from Kipipiri mount in Central Kenya, was so excited as he invited the GOALAN project team to his farm. He said, “I decided to retire early from the hospital as ward attendant and started this agribusiness after participating in a GOALAN project’s SCP training in October 2018. Within a few months, I saw how SCP made my crops grow healthy and well.” He also hopes to find markets for his sustainable vegetables. To enhance sustainable consumption locally, the GOALAN project is currently engaging with reputable hotels and supermarkets at Naivasha Lake to create demand for the sustainable fruits and vagetables produced by the target MSMEs. The project is also working closely with the county governments of Nakuru, Nyandarua and Narok to promote the adoption of SCP into local policies. Please contact Kartika Anggraeni with further questions.