Using a value chain framework for food safety assessment of broiler and indigenous chicken meat systems of Nairobi

Purpose:
Research on livestock food systems in developing countries remains limited, yet this context needs to
be understood to investigate the epidemiology of zoonoses. The aim of this study was to use a value
chain framework to characterize the broiler and indigenous chicken meat systems of Nairobi and their
food safety risks.
Methods:
Using such a framework for food safety characterisation at system level is novel and has significant
potential in developing countries. Data collection involved 18 focus group discussions and 236
interviews with various poultry meat value chain stakeholders in Nairobi. Analysis included chain
mapping and identification of governance and food safety challenges.
Results:
The study identified 10 chain profiles, characterising the broiler and indigenous chicken systems, and
production-retailing continuum.
Food safety risks identified were related to lack of biosecurity, cold chain and access to water, poor
cleaning and hygiene practices, consumption of sick animals, significant environmental contamination
of by-products, and lack of inspection at farm slaughter.
Large companies dominated the governance of the broiler system through the control of day-old chick
production. Overall government control was relatively weak leading to minimal official regulatory
enforcement. Large companies and brokers were identified as dominant groups in market information
dissemination and price setting. No dominant group was identified for indigenous chicken profiles,
farming being at household level for local consumption, with quasi non-existent regulations. Lack of
industry association was system-wide, creating a barrier for access to capital. Other system barriers
included lack of space and expertise, leading to poor infrastructure and limited ability to implement
effective hygienic measures.
Conclusions and relevance:
Optimal food safety and disease control strategies should consider the structure of the poultry meat
system and stakeholder interactions to ensure effective programmes. This study provides a new
perspective for epidemiologists and public health officers to address food safety risks in full
understanding of the food system context.