To mitigate this, Kanyi said that the market access program covers certification costs, allowing farmers to concentrate on improving production rather than worrying about financial barriers.
While private partnerships have helped create a more sustainable market for Kenyan macadamia, government policies play a crucial role as well.
Through the Agriculture and Food Authority, the Kenyan government has established strict guidelines for harvesting and exporting macadamia, aiming to curb early harvesting and ensure that only mature produce enters the market.
This protects farmers from unscrupulous practices and prevents the devaluation of Kenyan macadamia in the global market.
Among Kenya's agricultural exports to international markets, including macadamia nuts, tea and other produce, exports to China have seen notable growth and have significantly contributed to the nation's earnings.
According to Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service, a government regulatory agency, China presents a lucrative market for locally grown avocados, with the government planning to provide incentives to smallholder farmers, including quality seeds, training on value addition, and proper packaging.
The growth in trade has been transformative for Kenyan farmers, granting them access to China's vast consumer market, thereby increasing their earnings potential and diversifying their export destinations beyond the traditionally dominant European Union.
Looking ahead, the Kenyan macadamia sector holds great promise.
The rising global demand for macadamia, driven by its popularity as a healthy snack, means that Kenyan farmers have significant opportunities to increase their incomes.
Export rates have steadily risen over recent years, and with plans to establish a large-scale processing plant in Sagana, central Kenya, even more farmers are expected to gain access to export markets, Kanyi said.