Supply Chain Collaboration and Post-Harvest Loss Among Small-Scale Banana Farmers in Selected Counties in Kenya

Banana production as a food crop component cannot be underestimated. Banana is currently ranked at number four among the foods produced worldwide. The study aimed to investigate the effects of supply chain collaboration on food loss in banana production. The study used a cross-sectional research design. The target populations were small-scale banana farmers from three selected banana-producing counties in Kenya. The sampling frame of the study was a list of farmers, 14,447 in number, from three selected counties. The sample size was 400. The researcher stratified the counties and used a table of random numbers to pick farmers. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in analysing the data with the help of SPSS statistical software. The findings reveal that there was a negative and significant relationship between supply chain collaboration and post-harvest loss among small-scale banana farmers (β= -.500, p=0.000). The study concludes that supply chain collaboration allows stakeholders across the food production chain to work together to implement better practices, share knowledge, and coordinate efforts to minimise food waste. The study recommends that the government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, should encourage cooperation among farmers. The county government should also train the banana farmer on best practices for handling and storage of their bananas to prevent damage during harvest and post-harvest stages.