A supermarket boom in sub-Saharan Africa is raising food production and distribution standards that small producers are struggling to meet, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
South Africa has more than 1,700 supermarkets and Kenya more than 200, which are imposing higher standards than smaller shops or markets, the FAO said.
The international organisation wants co-operatives, micro-loans and training to enable millions of small producers to meet the higher demand for goods in states such as South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana and Swaziland.
Supermarket chains in the African region include Nakumatt and Uchumi in Kenya, Thomas Meikle in Zimbabwe, Score in South Africa, and South African-owned Shoprite Checkers in Zambia.
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