Iceland's volcanic ash is having a global economic impact, battering businesses not only in Europe, but also Africa.

 

Kenya's flower exporters are losing three million dollars a day in earnings as the vast cloud of volcanic ash paralyses air transport in northern Europe.

Flowers accounted for more than half of the 920 million US dollars earned by Kenyan horticulture exports in 2009.

Cut flowers are mainly exported to Europe by air due to their short shelf life. The grounding of aircraft has dealt a serious blow to the industry and farmers.

Jack Kneppers's recent shipment has been returned from the airport. He has to destroy 6 and a half tons of his own roses.

Jack Kneppers, Kenyan Flower Farmer, said, "The oldest one from last Thursday is going to be destroyed today because we don't have enough space anymore and also the flowers are getting older, so, we can't give our flowers out as rubbish when we start shipping again."

According to Kenya's Fresh Producers Exporters Association, the losses have been immense and has cost the industry millions of dollars.

Stepehen Mbithi, Head of Fresh Producers Assoc. of Kenya, said, "We have lost four days of shipment or 4000 metric tons which is 12 million U.S. dollars up to now."

If the situation does not change, workers will be asked to go home.

Over the weekend, 5,000 employees,mainly harvesters, stopped working when refrigerated stores reached capacity.