The effect of compliance and certification on commercialization of vanilla in Greater Mukono Districts of Mukono, Kayunga and Buikwe in Central Uganda

Abstract

Vanilla has a unique aroma, is widely preferred by food and cosmetics industries and Uganda is second to Madagascar in global exports. However, despite premium prices, compliance with food safety and organic standards and certification remained very low among vanilla exporters; significantly leading to quality and food safety non-conformances, low export volumes, low incomes to market actors and commercialization. This study sought to determine how compliance to food safety and organic standards and certification affects commercialization of vanilla in Uganda. Specifically, examining the factors influencing adoption of organic and food safety standards and certification by vanilla exporters; determining the effect of the standards and certification on commercialization and unravelling the relationship between adoption of food safety and organic standards and the processes of vanilla exporters. 150 respondents from 30 vanilla exporters; 3 focus group discussions and 5 key informant interviews were conducted. Only 26.67% of exporters were certified, demand for certifications was driven by premium prices, institutional membership (coefficient = 2.417, p = 0.045), and access to bank financing (coefficient = 4.804, p = 0.007) respectively. The Netherlands and Canada led to more certifications and high export quality shown by (coefficient = 2.245, p = 0.037) and (coefficient = 8758.075, p = 0.04) respectively. Certification transformed processes, documentation, training, and market as buyers increased from 2 to 9. Limitations include high certification costs, training gaps, limited finance, price fluctuations, and taxation. To enhance adoption and compliance there is need for capacity building, promotions, strategic marketing, and institutional membership.