Sukuma Wiki, popularly known as collard greens in the global market, is one of the most important leafy vegetables in Kenya. Literally meaning “to push the week” in Swahili, Sukuma Wiki is a lifeline for many households, helping to stretch meals when money is tight.
Today, Sukuma Wiki is not just a household staple — it’s a high-demand cash crop across Kenya and beyond. Its nutritional value, quick maturity, and consistent market demand make it an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to enter agribusiness.
In this book, you’ll learn how to start small, grow healthy Sukuma Wiki, and profit from it — whether you have a backyard garden, a small plot, or several acres.
“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” — Mark Twain
Table of Contents
- A Brief History
- Chapter 1: Understanding Sukuma Wiki
- Chapter 2: Setting Up a Sukuma Wiki Farm
- Chapter 3: Growing and Managing Sukuma Wiki
- Chapter 4: Harvesting Sukuma Wiki
- Chapter 5: Uses of Sukuma Wiki
- Chapter 6: Business Opportunities in Sukuma Wiki Farming
- Chapter 7: Financials
- Chapter 7: Financials
- Chapter 8: Scaling Up
- Conclusion
A Brief History
Collard greens are believed to have originated from the eastern Mediterranean. Over time, they spread to Africa, where they became deeply ingrained in local diets. In Kenya, Sukuma Wiki farming exploded in the 20th century as urbanization grew, and today it remains a vital part of food security.
Chapter 1: Understanding Sukuma Wiki
“Farming is not just a livelihood; it’s a commitment to feeding nations.” — Unknown
Scientific Background
- Scientific Name: Brassica oleracea (Acephala group)
- Common Names: Collard greens, Sukuma Wiki
- Growth Habit: Biennial (but grown as an annual), leafy vegetable.
Common Varieties:
- Georgia Southern — Large, crinkled, dark green leaves.
- Champion — More compact; resistant to bolting (flowering too early).
- Morris Heading — Tighter heads like cabbage.
- Kenya Local Varieties — Adapted to local climates and widely available.
Best Climatic, Soil, and Water Conditions
- Temperature: Ideal 15°C – 25°C (can tolerate some heat).
- Rainfall: Moderate, well-distributed (600mm–1200mm/year).
- Soil Type: Well-drained loamy soils rich in organic matter.
- pH Range: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).
- Sunlight: Full sun (at least 6 hours per day).
- Altitude: Performs well in highlands and mid-altitude areas.
Pro Tip: Sukuma Wiki grown in slightly cooler areas tends to have a sweeter flavor and better leaf texture.
Chapter 2: Setting Up a Sukuma Wiki Farm
“Success is where preparation and opportunity meet.” — Bobby Unser
Requirements:
- Land: Can start from small kitchen gardens to several acres.
- Water: Reliable source for irrigation during dry spells.
- Fencing: Protects crops from animals and unauthorized access.
- Tools Needed: Jembe (hoe), rake, watering can or irrigation kit, sprayer.
Step-by-Step Land Preparation
- Clear the land: Remove weeds, bushes, and debris.
- Plough deeply: 20–30cm to loosen soil and remove compaction.
- Add compost or manure: At least 2 tons per acre.
- Harrow: To break down clods and create a fine seedbed.
Soil pH Testing and Adjustment
- Test: Use a soil pH test kit or get lab testing.
- Adjustments:
- Acidic soils: Add lime.
- Alkaline soils: Add elemental sulfur or compost.
Sourcing Quality Seeds and Seedlings
- Buy from reputable agro-vets or certified suppliers.
- Look for disease-resistant varieties adapted to your region.
- Alternatively, raise your own seedlings in a nursery.
Chapter 3: Growing and Managing Sukuma Wiki
“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds you plant.” — Robert Louis Stevenson
Planting Methods
- Direct Seeding: Sow seeds directly in the field (spaced 30cm–60cm apart).
- Transplanting: More common. Start seeds in a nursery, transplant after 4–6 weeks.
Daily Maintenance
- Watering: Light but frequent watering (daily during dry periods).
- Weeding: Every 2–3 weeks.
- Mulching: Retains moisture and suppresses weeds.
- Fertilizing: Top dress with CAN (Calcium Ammonium Nitrate) 3 weeks after transplanting.
Best Fertilizers:
- Organic: Well-decomposed manure, compost, chicken droppings.
- Chemical: DAP for planting, CAN for top dressing.
Boosting Fast, Healthy Growth
- Regular watering.
- Balanced feeding: Nitrogen promotes leaf growth.
- Use foliar feeds like EasyGro for vibrant leaves.
Common Problems and Solutions
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Aphids | Spray with neem oil or approved pesticides. |
| Black Rot | Practice crop rotation; remove affected plants immediately. |
| Flea Beetles | Use netting or spray with organic solutions like garlic spray. |
Warning: Always observe pre-harvest intervals (PHI) after spraying.
Chapter 4: Harvesting Sukuma Wiki
“Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear.” — John Quincy Adams
Harvest Timeline
- First harvest: 8–12 weeks after transplanting.
Proper Harvesting Techniques
- Pick the lower, mature leaves.
- Leave younger leaves for continuous growth.
Post-Harvest Handling
- Wash gently with clean water.
- Sort by quality.
- Pack in perforated sacks or crates.
- Store in cool places or refrigerated environments if available.
Chapter 5: Uses of Sukuma Wiki
“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” — Hippocrates
Fresh Consumption
- Home kitchens.
- Hotels, restaurants, schools.
Nutritional Benefits
- Rich in:
- Vitamin A, C, and K.
- Calcium and Iron.
- Fiber for digestion.
Value-Added Products
- Packaged, ready-to-cook Sukuma.
- Sukuma powder (for smoothies or health products).
- Sukuma juice blends.
Chapter 6: Business Opportunities in Sukuma Wiki Farming
“Opportunities don’t happen. You create them.” — Chris Grosser
Selling Fresh Sukuma
- Open-air markets.
- Grocery stores.
- Farm gates (direct to consumers).
Supplying to Institutions
- Contract farming with schools, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets.
Urban Farming Models
- Sack farming: Great for balconies and small plots.
- Container farming: Innovative setups in urban centers.
Packaging and Branding
- Clear labeling.
- Hygienic packing.
- Marketing on social media, WhatsApp groups, or local farm fairs.
Pro Tip: Clean, branded Sukuma Wiki packs sell at double or triple the price of unbranded ones!
Chapter 7: Financials
“The best investment on earth is earth.” — Louis Glickman
Chapter 7: Financials
“The best investment on earth is earth.” — Louis Glickman
Setup Costs (Examples):
| Item | Backyard Garden | 1/8 Acre | 1 Acre |
|---|---|---|---|
| Land preparation | Ksh 2,000 | Ksh 5,000 | Ksh 15,000 |
| Seeds | Ksh 300 | Ksh 2,000 | Ksh 8,000 |
| Fertilizers/Manure | Ksh 500 | Ksh 4,000 | Ksh 15,000 |
| Water/Irrigation | Ksh 1,000 | Ksh 6,000 | Ksh 20,000 |
| Labor | — | Ksh 5,000 | Ksh 20,000 |
Note: Costs may vary slightly depending on your location, access to resources, and inflation.
Revenue Estimations:
- Backyard garden: Earn Ksh 5,000–10,000 monthly.
- 1/8 Acre: Earn Ksh 20,000–40,000 monthly.
- 1 Acre: Earn Ksh 100,000–150,000 monthly.
Chapter 8: Scaling Up
“Think big, start small, act now.” — Robin Sharma
How to Expand
- Increase acreage gradually.
- Hire laborers.
- Set up irrigation systems (drip irrigation preferred).
Partnering with Cooperatives
- Form or join farmers’ groups.
- Get better bargaining power and access to institutional markets.
Future Opportunities
- Exporting Sukuma Wiki to neighboring countries.
- Growing organic Sukuma for premium markets.
Conclusion
“Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out.” — Robert Collier
Starting small in Sukuma Wiki farming is a smart move — but thinking big and acting consistently is the real secret to success.
Sukuma Wiki offers health, wealth, and endless opportunity, especially in a world increasingly concerned with nutrition and food security.
Final Tips for Success:
- Stay consistent — even when the harvest seems slow.
- Network with other farmers, agro-vets, and buyers.
- Keep learning new techniques through training and online resources.
Your farming journey starts today. Push your dreams forward — just like Sukuma Wiki pushes meals through the week!
