The Practice of Sustainability Entrepreneurial Approach in Kenya’s Flower Industry

Abstract

The research was partly financed by the NUFFIC KEN 212 Project of Pwani University

Abstract

Sustainability entrepreneurship approach (SEA) has been described in different ways by different scholars’ in spite being anchored on the sustainable development tenets that emphasise on need to sustain the planet, profits and people for use by future generations. Still, different SEA studies reveal that the practice of SEA differs from one setting to another although most studies focus on environmental practice of developed countries’ setting. This situation is linked to saturation of studies from developed countries. Therefore, there seem to be no adequate information regarding the practice of SEA from a developing country’s view. Besides, the distinct nature of socio- economic development across continents is likely to dictate the way SEA is practiced in different settings. For that reason, there is need to enhance understanding regarding sustainability practice from a developing countries perspective. Subsequently, this paper explored the practice of SEA in Kenya’s flower industry using qualitative approach. Hence, in- depth interview and observation methods were used to collect data from six heterogeneous cases, while content thematic analysis was used for data analysis. The results showed that although firms in this study were committed towards the development of environment, economy and society, the nature of practice and investment on SEA seem to have differed from firm to firm. The findings further revealed that the practice of SEA in this setting was predominantly characterised by activities that enhanced industrial relations, community support programs, development of social amenities and infrastructure as well as environmental management strategies. The paper concludes that SEA practice is influenced by the social, environmental and economic needs of a specific business setting, hence anchor alongside sustainability tenets. In order to enhance equitable contribution towards SEA, the paper proposes the development of domesticated sustainability policy and measures so as to make the practice of SEA mandatory and meaningful. The paper recommends a comparative study on SEA practice in a multi sectoral setting.

Keywords: Sustainability, sustainability entrepreneurship approach, Sustainability practice