Kunde, also known as cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata), is a highly nutritious African leafy vegetable that is deeply rooted in Kenyan culture and cuisine. In recent years, kunde farming in Kenya has gained popularity among smallholder farmers looking for a high-yielding, drought-resistant crop that provides both food and income.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore everything you need to know about starting and succeeding in kunde farming—from variety selection to harvesting and marketing.
Why Grow Kunde in Kenya?
Kunde is well-suited to Kenya’s agro-ecological zones, particularly the arid and semi-arid areas. Here are some reasons why more farmers are turning to kunde farming in Kenya:
- Drought Tolerant: Kunde can thrive with minimal rainfall, making it ideal for areas affected by climate change.
- Nutritious: It is rich in protein, iron, calcium, and vitamins, making it an essential part of a healthy diet.
- Short Maturity Period: Some varieties mature within 60-75 days, providing quick returns.
- Dual-purpose Crop: Both the leaves and seeds can be harvested for consumption or sale.
- Market Demand: Urban and rural markets are increasingly demanding traditional vegetables like kunde.
Ideal Climate and Soil for Kunde Farming
Kunde grows best in warm conditions with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C. It performs well in areas receiving between 300 mm and 700 mm of rainfall per season.
Soil Requirements
- Type: Well-drained sandy loam soils.
- pH: 5.5 to 6.5.
- Fertility: Kunde can grow in poor soils but performs better in fertile conditions with organic matter.
Ensure your land is not waterlogged, as kunde roots do not tolerate standing water.
Popular Kunde Varieties in Kenya
When considering kunde farming in Kenya, choose a variety suited for your region and market needs. The most common types are:
- Local Varieties: Traditional varieties grown for their leaves. Popular in Western and Coastal Kenya.
- Improved Varieties:
- KVU 27-1: High-yielding, bushy growth, suitable for dry regions.
- Ex-Luanda: Grown mainly for leaves; quick-maturing.
- K80 and K60: Dual-purpose varieties for both leaves and seeds.
Always source certified seeds from trusted agro-dealers to ensure high germination rates and resistance to common pests and diseases.
Land Preparation and Planting
Land Preparation
- Clear the field of weeds, stumps, and plant residues.
- Plough the land to a fine tilth.
- Form planting rows spaced 60 cm apart.
Planting Process
- Seed Rate: 20–25 kg per acre.
- Spacing: 30 cm between plants and 60 cm between rows.
- Depth: Sow seeds 2–3 cm deep.
- Timing: Plant at the onset of rains for rainfed farming or irrigate if off-season.
Apply well-rotted manure (1–2 tonnes per acre) or compost to boost soil fertility naturally.
Fertilizer and Water Management
Fertilizer Application
Kunde being a legume, fixes nitrogen in the soil and generally requires minimal chemical fertilizers.
- Basal Fertilizer: Use DAP or TSP at planting (20–30 kg per acre) for phosphorus support.
- Top Dressing: If growing for leaves, apply CAN or urea sparingly after two weeks.
Excessive fertilizer can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of pods.
Irrigation
If growing kunde during the dry season:
- Irrigate every 5–7 days depending on soil type and weather.
- Avoid waterlogging by using drip irrigation or furrow systems.
Weed and Pest Control
Weed Management
- First Weeding: 2–3 weeks after germination.
- Second Weeding: Before flowering.
- Mulching: Use dry grass to retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
Common Pests
- Aphids: Cause leaf curling and stunted growth.
- Control: Use neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Cowpea Pod Borer: Damages flowers and pods.
- Control: Apply recommended insecticides like Karate or use pheromone traps.
- Leaf Miners: Burrow into leaves.
- Control: Use integrated pest management (IPM) practices.
Common Diseases
- Powdery Mildew: White powdery substance on leaves.
- Leaf Spot: Brown spots that lead to defoliation.
- Control: Practice crop rotation and use disease-free seeds.
Harvesting Kunde
Harvesting for Leaves
- Start harvesting 3–4 weeks after germination.
- Use clean scissors or fingers to pick tender leaves and shoots.
- Harvesting can continue weekly for 3–5 weeks, depending on variety.
Harvesting for Seeds
- Leave pods to mature and dry on the plant.
- Harvest when 80–90% of pods have turned brown.
- Dry pods under the sun and thresh to extract seeds.
An acre can yield 200–400 kg of dry seeds or more, depending on management practices.
Post-Harvest Handling
Proper post-harvest care ensures higher market prices and longer shelf life.
For Leaves
- Bundle leaves in small bunches.
- Keep moist and shaded to prevent wilting.
- Transport in cool containers or baskets.
For Seeds
- Ensure seeds are completely dry before storage.
- Store in airtight containers or sacks in a cool, dry place.
- Use ash or neem leaves to deter storage pests.
Marketing Kunde in Kenya
Marketing is a crucial component of profitable kunde farming in Kenya. Here are tips to help you make sales:
- Local Markets: Fresh kunde leaves are popular in local open-air markets.
- Urban Supermarkets: Package leaves neatly and label them for retail shelves.
- Hotels and Restaurants: Offer fresh leaves or blanched, pre-packed bundles.
- Dry Kunde Leaves: Dried kunde leaves are gaining traction as a convenience product for diaspora and urban customers.
- Value Addition: Explore options like kunde flour or frozen leaves.
Join farmer groups or cooperatives to strengthen your bargaining power and access better markets.
Profits from Kunde Farming in Kenya
Kunde is a profitable venture, especially when grown under irrigation.
Sample Gross Margin per Acre
| Item | Amount (KES) |
|---|---|
| Cost of Seeds (25kg) | 5,000 |
| Land Preparation | 4,000 |
| Fertilizer & Manure | 3,000 |
| Labor (weeding, harvesting) | 8,000 |
| Irrigation Costs | 6,000 |
| Transport & Misc. | 4,000 |
| Total Cost | 30,000 |
| Revenue from Leaves & Seeds | 80,000–120,000 |
| Net Profit | 50,000–90,000 |
Returns can be higher if you practice succession planting and supply urban markets consistently.
Challenges in Kunde Farming
Despite its many benefits, kunde farming in Kenya comes with some challenges:
- Perishability: Fresh leaves wilt quickly if not handled properly.
- Market Fluctuations: Prices vary depending on season and supply.
- Pests and Diseases: Require constant monitoring, especially under irrigation.
However, with good agricultural practices and market research, these challenges can be managed effectively.
Final Thoughts: Is Kunde Farming in Kenya Worth It?
Absolutely! Kunde farming is a low-cost, high-potential agribusiness for farmers in Kenya looking to diversify income and enhance food security. Whether you’re a smallholder in a rural setting or a peri-urban farmer with access to water, kunde is a great crop to grow.
With the growing demand for indigenous vegetables and changing dietary habits, the future of kunde farming in Kenya looks bright. Start small, learn the ropes, and scale with experience.
