Abstract

The honey industry in Kenya is a valuable source of income for small-scale farmers, but they face various challenges such as pests and diseases, lack of access to markets, and inadequate skills. One of the primary challenges facing the honey market in Kenya is the issue of food safety, with poor-quality honey reaching the market, exposing consumers to risks. The use of information technology (IT)-integrated systems in the honey market has gained popularity as a tool for ensuring food safety, traceability, and market access for small-scale farmers. This literature review explores the effectiveness of IT-integrated systems in enhancing food safety in the honey market in Kitui, Baringo, West-Pokot, and Elgeyo Marakwet counties in Kenya. The review identifies the challenges hindering the adoption of IT-integrated systems, including the lack of awareness and knowledge among stakeholders, high implementation costs, inadequate technical skills, and infrastructure. The review highlights the potential benefits of IT-integrated systems, including improved traceability, reduced foodborne illnesses, and enhanced market access for small-scale honey farmers. The target audience for this review is professors and scientists interested in the use of IT in food supply chains.