Improving Access to Export Market for Fresh Vegetables through Reduction of Phytosanitary and Pesticide Residue Constraints
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
The review article investigates a topical subject, namely the improved exportability of agricultural products in Kenya. The article sets the ambitious objective to review the main challenges of exporting and provide a strategy for enhanced access to markets through a four-tiered approach. The paper, perhaps, goes beyond the conventional frames of a review article, and some parts can be perceived as a methodology paper. However, this does not compromise the merits of the paper and the contribution to the existing literature. The authors' initiative to embark on this complex subject is much appreciated.
To further exploit the potential of the article and better emphasise its novelty and scientific contribution, I recommend the following corrections:
The abstract requires a more thorough revision and its re-articulation. The abstract should be the concise summary of the article, including the findings and results of the research. In its current format, it rather looks like a shortened introduction.
The introduction requires a major revision to make it more structured and to provide a guidance for the readers, i.e. using the "introduction formula": research motivation (the challenges and their implications), research questions (the subject to be addressed), existing knowledge and background information (the past research and their results regarding the objective of the paper), the contribution of the paper (the objective and novelty that enriches the existing knowledge), the structure of the document (how the document is structured to reach final conclusion). However, there are many other introduction "formulas" that can support the authors. Also, some information are too excessive and make the readability difficult (i.e. list of produced crops etc.).
Chapter 2.1. on market analysis: In general the sub-section would benefit from a more extensive description of the general market trends. The share of domestic and export markets should be better explained. While authors explain that some vegetables are locally sold, there is no quantified information about the domestic sales. The Figure 1 should be better described within the text, as there is no clear link established between the text and the figure. Also, Table 1 could be shifted to the Annex, and only the key summary of the table should be narrated in the text. Please explain why monetary values (Figure 1) are considered stable, while volume considered fluctuating.
While Chapter 2.2. describes the phytosanitary situation in the context of Kenya, Chapter 2.3. takes a global view. If the review paper is to assess the export potential of Kenya, it would be important to include only national references and logged history of biological contamination.
In Chapter 2.4., it would be much appreciated if farmers' strategies would be presented in listed categories (i.e. organic solutions/practices, cultural practices, agrochemicals etc.). At least, a sort of categorisation would certainly enhance the understanding of existing interventions from farmers' side.
In Chapter 3, while the abstract mentions a four-tiered approach, the chapter title refers to a three-tiered approach. This might confuse the readers. Under Chapter 3 (before the description of the sub-sections), a short introduction/description of the four tiers would support readers to understand the components of the four tiers (i.e. the nexus of technology, institution, research and development, and capacity-building). It would be important to explain why these particular four tiers are selected. Also, a chart showing the logical relationships amongst the four tiers and their practices would help better visualize, thus understand the proposed approach.
Additional comments:
Please review the references to online sources (webpage links) and ensure their scientific soundness.
Please provide an appropriate reference to Figure 2.
Please review the excessive use of conditional tense in the paper, and write in indicative mode, wherever it is possible.
Please standardise/optimise the outlook of the figures to give a consistent overview of the visual elements
Author Response
1. Complete overhaul and revision of the abstract to make it a concise summary of the article.
2. Major revisions have been made to the introduction to make it more structured and to provide a guidance for the readers. Excessive information has been removed.
3. Chapter 2.1. on market analysis has been thoroughly revised to include a more extensive description of the general market trends including the share of domestic and export markets.
4. In Chapter 2.4., farmers' strategies is now presented.
5. In Chapter 3, the four-tiered approach is now fully described.
6. References have been revised to ensure their scientific soundness.
Reviewer 2 Report
Review: Improving Access to Export Market for Fresh Vegetables through Reduction of Phytosanitary and Pesticide Residue Constraints
The article is written very good, the introduction was very clear, but for the objective need to revise more clearly, the objective statement “It is on this premise that this study aims to provide four-tiered approach system targeting smallholder farmers, institutions, facilitators, and research to reverse vegetable export trend”. The literature review is clear but, most of case in Kenya, because the journal is international reputable journal, better if add some case also in other country like in Asia and America. The material and method was written clearly, and the analysis is very clear. The finding of the research is very important things to develop fresh vegetables, but the author need add some reference to add the result and discussion. The conclusion is very clear answer the objective.
Author Response
The objective has been revised and additional review done to include examples from other countries
Reviewer 3 Report
Paper does not fulfil the criteria for a scientific paper.
Author Response
The whole manuscript has been re-worked, including English language.
