Routine activity theory and farm produce sale in Kenya: An analysis of non-compliance with agri-food safety laws

Agri-food safety management is critical for consumer protection and economic development. However, few studies have examined factors that motivate farmers and other actors in the agri-food chain to sell contaminated farm produce from a criminological perspective. This study employed Routine Activity Theory to examine the factors that cause farmers to violate agri-food safety laws during the process of selling farm produce. Data were gathered through six focus group discussions with 54 farmers and in-depth interviews with 29 key stakeholders in the agri-food chain in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. The results revealed that farmers breaches of food safety regulations are motivated by economic and social factors as well as opportunities provided by markets for contaminated farm produce. A lack of guardianship in terms of poor regulation, the low risk of detection and the lack of education for farmers, traders and consumers are other factors that motivate non-compliance with food safety regulations.