## 7 Discussion  
The study shows that the integration of SCP practices by MSMEs in the horticulture sector is affected by many factors. Some of which are key to influencing the decisions of MSMEs and facilitating the adoption of SCP practices. These factors encompass access to SCP capacity building and training activities, stable and reliable markets, financial capital, tools, and infrastructure, and increased economic benefits. This section discusses these key factors. Acquiring knowledge and developing technical expertise is essential to know what to decide and implement. This study shows that by offering training and strengthening the capacity of MSMEs on SCP practices, MSMEs were more prone to integrating SCP practices in their horticulture production. However, increasing farmers' and MSMEs' capacity in sustainable horticultural production will require support from the local authorities (i.e., county governments). Policy makers can familiarize themselves with specific target groups in order to tailor training programs according to local needs and challenges. Such interventions also call for a close collaboration between the (local) government and development organizations, farmer or producer groups, and non-profit organizations that are at the forefront in offering capacity building. The probability of encouraging MSMEs to adopt and continue implementing SCP practices depends additionally on whether they can get access to stable and reliable markets that offer good prices, which allows them to cover their initial investments to integrate SCP practices. There is a need for the creation of strategic partnerships with key value-chain actors such as local hotels, supermarkets, or processing companies through arrangements such as contract farming or supply contracts to enhance MSMEs' access to the market. Such partnerships would provide MSMEs with stable demand and serve as an incentive for them to continue producing sustainably. In order for the MSMEs to be able to access reliable and stable markets, it is likewise important that they are trained in marketing skills. MSMEs' ability to adopt SCP practices is additionally linked to their financial and asset capabilities. Improving access to capital and financial tools could enable MSMEs to overcome barriers that make the SCP adoption unattractive, such as large up-front investment, high cost of sustainable farm inputs, and lack of production equipment and machinery. Moreover, offering MSMEs support to access finance from financial institutions or other incentives can be one of the most effective ways of impacting MSMEs' sustainability. As lack of collateral is the main challenge faced by MSMEs in accessing credit, there is a need for the establishment of a guarantee fund to de-risk MSMEs and make them attractive to financial providers. In addition, the formation of cooperatives can enable MSMEs to pool resources and enhance their access to formal credit. The cooperatives can also serve as a support in enhancing access to the market for their members, for example, by reducing transport costs as members can share a mode of transport so that they can serve new markets. Governments could support horticultural MSMEs by establishing targeted policies to address their challenges, offering affordable financing through local financial institutions (FIs), and creating an enabling environment that reduces the risk of FIs lending to MSMEs, thereby allowing them to offer affordable loans to MSMEs. To enhance the adoption of SCP practices, MSMEs that are more vulnerable to adverse climate conditions such as droughts and unpredictable and unreliable rain patterns may need to be provided with infrastructural support. Such infrastructure can enable the MSMEs to continue production all-year-round, even during extreme weather conditions. Important infrastructure may vary but could include water dams for rainwater harvesting, greenhouses, solar pumps, and water tanks and drip irrigation systems.