Environmental management standards (EMS) are playing an increasingly important role in international value chains. However, the introduction of EMS often presents problems and obstacles for producers. While the role of governance structures in the dissemination of EMS has already been examined, there is little research on the influence of different actors outside the chain. However, it can be assumed that, depending on the type of chain, actors in the target region (e.g. NGOs) in particular can influence producers in the introduction and implementation of EMS via consumers and trade. This raises the question of the extent to which such cross-regional influences (CRI) from the target regions, depending on regional differences (e.g. level of development, target and value patterns), can lead to acceptance problems among producers with regard to EMS and thus hinder the successful implementation and dissemination of EMS. The aim of the project is to compare the fruit and vegetable value chains in Kenya – EU and South Africa – Sub-Saharan Africa1 to illustrate and explain the significance of CRI and acceptance for the introduction, implementation and spatial dissemination of EMS, and to derive recommendations for action. The theoretical basis is provided by approaches to value chains, which are to be expanded by the areas of CRI and acceptance. The empirical basis is provided by qualitative interviews along the value chains and quantitative surveys in the producer regions.
Selected publications:
Dannenberg, P. u. G. Nduru (2013): Practices in international value chains: The case of the Kenyan fruit and vegetable chain beyond the exclusion debate. In Tijdschrift voor Economische en Sociale Geografie 104 (1), 41–56. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9663.2012.00719.x
Dannenberg, P., M. Kunze u. G. Nduru (2011): Isochronal Map of Fresh Fruits and Vegetable Transportation from the Mt. Kenya Region to Nairobi. In Journal of Maps 11, 273-279. DOI: 10.4113/jom.2011.1169
Funding: DFG Research grants 2009 - 2024
International reference: Kenya, South Africa