Author - Graduate Farmer

Avocado Farmers to benefit from ready market from Habex Agro

Avocado farmers in Kenya are reaping big with the recent rise in demand for avocados both locally and internationally. More and more farmers are fast changing tune to avocado farming as they seek to grab a piece of pie from the lucrative industry. Avocado farming is the next game changer export crop of the future due to its huge demand globally especially the Hass variety due to its high nutritional value. Kenya’s avocado market share in the recent past has gained popularity internationally especially in the European and Asian market due to its superior quality and sweetness. This has seen the country’s avocado market share drastically rise from just locally some years back to ranking second largest exporter in Africa after South Africa and sixth in the world. The favorable equatorial climate enables farmers to attain two crop harvests a year, positioning Kenya with an advantage to overhaul South Africa to become the leading exporter of avocado in Africa and a top competitor worldwide. This factor has seen many countries express interest in Kenyan avocados and its farming, such as Russia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, France, Spain, Iran, Libya, and Egypt among others. Kenya produces an estimated 115,000 metric tons of avocados annually, with 70% of the produce being grown by small-scale farmers. Today three-quarters of the avocados are exported to other countries. The main challenge facing Kenyan avocado farming is the residue levels and lack of fruit uniformity, something that can be avoided. This was witnessed particularly this year when Kenya’s avocados were banned for export. However, Habex Agro together with Kenya Plant health inspectorate Service (KEPHIS )and the Government of Kenya is actively involved in educating the farmers and providing them with extension services to ensure they comply with global standards and regulations, enabling them to address the challenges and compete effectively globally. The country has a great potential of becoming a world leader in the production of avocados due to its arable lands. Farmers in the Rift Valley and Western parts of Kenya are following suit and are abandoning conventional wheat and maize farming due to the increasing challenges such as armyworm that has been raking havoc in this region since last year, little profits and tedious works. They are now embracing the new and lucrative avocado farming and are taking advantage of the new program by Habex Agro as they seek new alternatives to reaping huge with avocado farming. Habex Agro, an agricultural company based in Eldoret, Kenya with the speciality in avocado and macadamia farming has rolled out a program to ensure farmer in six counties in Rift Valley namely Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Kericho, Tranzoia, and Baringo take advantage of the lucrative avocado industry by contracting them to plant avocados. The company is issuing farmers with avocado seedlings on credit together with advice and extension services till the crops are ready for harvest and production. The company, however, needs farmers to meet certain requirements to qualify for the program:
  • Have a reliable source of water
  • Have deep-well drained soils
  • Do soil testing
  • Register with a thousand shilling
  • Have a minimum of half an acre
The company provides training for the farmers on proper agronomic practices to ensure production of quality fruits that meet international market requirements. The company also has agronomists in every county who work closely with the farmers. The farmers sign a contract with the company to ensure both parties adhere to agreements in the contract. Farmers benefit from a ready avocado market offered by the company hence fetch high prices as middlemen are completely locked out of this system. The company has its four main objectives;
  • To raise the living standards of the people.
  • To mitigate climate change by ensuring 1,000,000 seedlings are planted annually. This will create forest cover.
  • Creates employment.
  • Poverty Reduction.
The company is currently setting up an avocado processing factory in Eldoret, Kenya that will ensure farmers get a ready market for their produce at lucrative and competitive prices. Farmers in these counties should, therefore, take advantage of this life-changing opportunity presented to them. To apply click Here

Maize Scandal: The Pain of a Kenyan Farmer

The pain of maize farming is real! Maize farmers in Kenya have gone through a lot of challenges in the past years that have nearly brought them to their knees. The challenges ranging from drought, Lethal Necrosis Disease to Fall Army Worms attacks has nearly crippled maize farming to the point that many maize farmers are almost giving up and switching to other crops that will give them value for their money. Not caring about the problems Kenyan farmers go through to make an honest living, a few individuals in power have gone even further to add insult to injury by taking advantage of the poor vetting process at The National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB).  It was revealed recently through a parliamentary hearing that NCPB bypassed farmers and allowed middlemen to supply maize which was against the law. The National Cereals and Produce Board’s (NCPB) apparently paid 18 maize merchants, who failed its vetting, a total of Sh1.05 billion, Parliament heard Thursday. Preliminary findings of an internal audit that was conducted on the purchase of maize to replenish the Strategic Food Reserves indicates that eight traders out of the 18 pocketed a total of Sh607.8 million.
Something striking is that there are cases where one individual would deliver a huge amount of maize to NCPB through Eldoret, Nakuru and Kisumu depots - Opiyo Wandayi,  who chairs PAC, said.
Mr Wandayi, MPs Alfred Keter (Nandi Hills) and Silas Tiren (Moiben) said the committee will summon all the 18 individuals as it seeks to unmask the real faces behind the scam. The MD Newton Terer has since resigned NCPB and replaced by Albin Sang as acting Managing Director by the Ministry of Agriculture. Farming is not easy and experiencing corruption hurdles, pests and diseases after toiling a whole year with your crops brings many farmers close to depression. Farmers need real empowerment!

Making animal feeds using Black Soldier Flies

Many scientists have known insects can digest manure and produce high quality feed for animals. Biosecurity, the need for a separate facility and labor for harvesting increase the cost of production. Among the most promising species for industrial feed production are black soldier flies. The fly resembles a skinny black wasp. It does not sting and is difficult to notice since it does not fly into houses or where human beings are gathered. The black soldier fly's habits and non-pest status allows for development of low-cost production. Black soldier fly larvae consume a wide variety of organic matter including animal manures and food waste. While consuming this material they assimilate nutrients thus significantly reduce its volume and pollution potential. They also control house flies through competition, and produce high quality feed-stuff and other products. The biology and habits of this large wasp-like fly make it well suited to large scale value-added waste management. Adults live and mate near larval habitat, not seeking to enter dwellings as house flies do. Adults do not need to feed, surviving on the large fat body developed as a larvae. This beneficial insect occurs worldwide in tropical and warm-temperate regions. Larvae occur in very dense populations, often covering the larval food resource in a solid layer. Mature larvae migrate from this mass of feeding larvae to find protected pupation sites. The migration of this energy and protein rich pre-pupae makes self-harvest possible. Pre-pupae do not feed and have an empty gut, making this the ideal stage to collect for a feed-stuff.
Black Soldier Fly Bin

Facts about the black soldier fly

  • Black in colour
  • A little larger than a housefly
  • Does not bite or sting
  • Neither larvae nor adults are considered pests or vectors
  • They prevent houseflies and blowflies from laying eggs in the material inhabited by black soldier fly larvae
  • Larvae are an excellent source of sustainable protein (45%) for aqua culture/animal feed.

Benefits of Black Soldier Flies

  • The Black Soldier Fly larvae will eat kilograms of scrap food a night eliminating your food waste before it can even begin to rot.
  • They then harvest themselves into buckets.
  • High in protein and fat they can be used as a man ingredient in animal feeds.

Running a Black Soldier Fly Farm

  • Adult Black Soldier Flies are attracted to the fool scraps in the bin.
  • They lay eggs which hatch in about 4 days.
  • 1 square meter of Black Soldier Flies will eat 15 Kg waste food daily and convert this waste to nutrients.
  • Mature larvae crawl up the slope of the bin and drop into a container placed at the opening.

Larvae

  • Waste food from an average household can produce up to 1 kg of Black Soldier Fly larvae in a day.
  • Production continues for as long as fresh waste food is added to the bin on a daily basis.
  • The larvae can be fed directly to pigs, ducks,chicken and fish.
  • They can also be dried , milled and used for making commercial feeds.

KALRO: Chemicals to curb Fall Army Worms

Fall army worms are a menace. Maize farmers in Kenya are not sleeping in fear of the losses the army worms are inflicting on their farms. KALRO (Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation)  has recommended the following chemicals to curb this threat:
  • Acephate (e.g. Orthene Pellet)
  • Abamectin + Chlorantraniliprole (e.g. Voliam Targo 063 SC)
  • Chlorantraniliprole (e.g. Coragen 20SC)
  • Lufenuron (e.g. Match 50EC)
  • Emamectin benzoate (e.g. Prove 1.92EC)
  • Pyriproxyfen (e.g. Profen 10.8EC)
The following chemicals can be purchased from Twiga Chemicals, Orbit Chemical Industries and Coopers. Please ensure you only buy from certified chemical sellers.

Fish Farming: How to Make Profits from Tilapia

Fish farming is the way to go. Fish are popular sources of protein and white meat in many parts of Eastern Africa. However, the gap between supply and demand for fish is widening. Almost all natural fish stocks in the region—and across the globe—have been over-exploited. Meanwhile, human populations, and therefore demand for fish, continue to increase steadily.

The best solution for meeting this growing demand is fish farming in Kenya and other parts of Eastern Africa. Fish farming, also known as aquaculture, is the practice of breeding and raising fish in controlled environments such as ponds, tanks, or cages. This method ensures sustainable fish supply while creating income-generating opportunities for farmers.

This article offers a comprehensive guide on how to earn money through fish farming in Kenya, with a focus on rearing tilapia, one of the most profitable and easy-to-keep fish varieties in the region.

Why Farm Fish?

Fish farming in Kenya offers numerous benefits:

1. Fast Growth and High Returns

Fish grow quickly, especially tilapia, and offer fast returns on investment. A small fingerling weighing a few grams can grow into a market-size fish in just 6 to 8 months. At maturity, each fish can fetch around Ksh 70, which is more than 25 times its initial cost. The market price is approximately Ksh 350 per kilogram, making fish farming a highly lucrative venture.

2. Flexible Location Requirements

You don’t need to be near an ocean, lake, river, or stream to farm fish. All you need is access to a reliable and clean source of freshwater—an essential requirement for tilapia. Boreholes, springs, or small rivers (with local authority permission) are suitable.

3. Ready and Expanding Market

There is a growing local and international market for fish, especially tilapia. Supermarkets, hotels, restaurants, and households are constantly looking for fresh fish. Additionally, health-conscious consumers increasingly prefer fish over red meat, which boosts demand.

4. Minimal Disease Risks

Unlike other types of livestock, fish are less prone to diseases, reducing veterinary costs and losses due to sickness.

5. Efficient Use of Land

Fish ponds can be built on land unsuitable for other forms of agriculture. Small plots, including backyard spaces, can be utilized for fish farming in Kenya.

6. Low Maintenance

Once the pond is constructed and stocked, maintenance becomes relatively simple, especially when proper systems are in place. This allows farmers to focus on other income-generating activities.

7. Nutritional Value

Fish is an excellent source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids. This makes it a vital dietary component for growing children and expectant mothers.

Best Variety of Fish to Farm in Kenya

When it comes to fish farming in Kenya, tilapia stands out as the most practical option for small to medium-scale farmers. It matures quickly, is easy to manage, and is popular with consumers due to its taste and nutritional benefits.

Other types of fish that can be farmed include catfish and trout, but tilapia remains the most viable for beginners. For more information on other fish species, consult your local fisheries or agricultural extension officers.

Requirements for Starting a Fish Farm

To establish and run a small fish farming operation, you will need:

  • Labour (at least two workers for pond construction and maintenance)
  • Land (preferably gently sloping for proper pond drainage)
  • Tools: pangas, hoes, shovels, pickaxes, wheelbarrows, measuring tape, wooden pegs, and string
  • Materials: lime, fingerlings, fertilizer, weighing scale, scoop nets
  • Access to clean water

The ideal water temperature for tilapia is between 25°C and 28°C, which is suitable for most parts of Kenya.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fish Farming in Kenya

Step 1: Pond Site Selection

Select gently sloping land large enough to accommodate the pond. The location should have full sunlight exposure and minimal shade, as trees can attract predators like birds and snakes.

Check the soil for water retention by digging a test hole. If water seeps away quickly, the soil is unsuitable. You can line such ponds with polythene sheets or clay.

The water source must be clean and free from pollutants. Underground springs and diverted streams are ideal, while boreholes may be too costly. Avoid using chlorinated tap water—it’s harmful to fish.

Step 2: Pond Construction

  1. Clear the site of vegetation and debris.
  2. Measure and mark the pond area using sticks and string.
  3. Recommended pond shape is rectangular or square. Minimum size is 10m x 10m.
  4. The pond should be 1.5 meters deep at the shallow end and 2.5–3 meters deep at the deep end.
  5. Ensure the pond floor slopes from the shallow end to the deep end.
  6. Pile the excavated soil around the pond to form a barrier or embankment.

Apply a layer of agricultural lime to the pond base to control pests such as leeches and parasites.

Step 3: Pond Fertilization

Fertilizing your pond helps generate algae and zooplankton, which serve as natural fish food.

Fertilizer TypeQuantity per 100 m²
Cow, goat, or sheep dung6 kg
Chicken or duck droppings2.5 kg
Urea1 kg
DAP or TSP1 kg

Let the pond sit for 5 to 7 days after fertilization before introducing fingerlings. The greenish water color is a sign of healthy algal growth.

Step 4: Seed (Fingerling) Selection

Buy healthy tilapia fingerlings from a reputable hatchery or fish farm.

  • Weight range: 20–80 grams.
  • Transport them in a bucket with fresh water.
  • Introduce them to the pond within 6 hours to minimize stress or death.

Step 5: Pond Stocking

Add 3 fingerlings per square meter. A 10x10 meter pond requires 300 fingerlings.

To release them into the pond:

  • Float the bucket at the pond’s surface for 15–30 minutes to equalize water temperature.
  • Gently tip the bucket at the shallow end to allow the fingerlings to swim out.

Step 6: Supplementary Feeding

Initially, fingerlings feed on natural food. After the first month, supplement their diet twice daily using:

  • Rice, maize, or wheat bran (250g per feeding)
  • Chopped sukuma wiki (kale)
  • Sweet potato vines
  • Insects (ants, termites)
  • Local fishmeal (omena, dagaa dust)
  • Lake shrimps or small dried fish

Proper feeding increases growth rates and reduces time to market.

Step 7: Fish Sampling

Monitor fish growth by sampling monthly:

  • Use a scoop net with feed bait.
  • Weigh and record sample fish.
  • A healthy fish should gain 10–15 grams per month.

Regular sampling helps detect stunted growth or disease early.

Step 8: Pond Maintenance

  • Keep surroundings free of weeds and grass.
  • Fence the pond to prevent theft and keep out children or animals.
  • Maintain water depth between 0.5 and 1.5 meters.
  • Clean and repair embankments or water inlets regularly.

Good maintenance ensures a healthy environment for your fish.

Step 9: Harvesting, Storage, and Preservation

Harvesting

Fish are ready after 6 months. You can harvest:

  • Partially: Remove only the mature fish and leave the rest to continue growing or breeding.
  • Totally: Remove all fish and clean the pond.

To harvest:

  1. Use a seine net at the deep end.
  2. Pull it slowly toward the shallow end.
  3. Gather fish in a clean container of fresh water.
  4. Sort and return any underweight fish.

Preservation Methods

Fresh fish should be sold or consumed quickly. For storage:

  • Clean and gut the fish immediately.
  • Chill using ice or store in a cooler box.
  • Preserve by salting, smoking, or sun-drying.

Preserved fish can be sold in dry markets or transported over long distances.

Record Keeping in Fish Farming

Effective fish farming in Kenya requires proper record keeping. Track the following:

  • Cost of construction and stocking
  • Daily feeding logs
  • Fish growth and health
  • Harvest amounts and sales income
  • Profitability and financial performance

This data helps identify opportunities for improvement and scalability.

Common Challenges and Solutions

ProblemCauseSolution
Water pollutionContaminated sourcesTest water before use; avoid chemicals
Slow growthUnderfeeding or poor-quality feedProvide balanced diet and monitor
Fish poisoningTephrosia plant toxinsRemove toxic plants; dilute water
PredatorsBirds, snakes, lizardsFence pond, fertilize water to turn green
TheftLack of fencing or securityFence pond; involve local community
FloodingPoor site selectionBuild embankments; keep water levels safe
DroughtDry seasonsHarvest early; store water in tanks

Future of Fish Farming in Kenya

As more people adopt healthier diets and protein demand increases, fish farming in Kenya is becoming one of the fastest-growing agribusiness sectors. Support from the government, NGOs, and research institutions is making fish farming more accessible through training and subsidies.

Smart innovations such as Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), aquaponics, and cage farming in lakes offer opportunities for urban and peri-urban farmers to participate even without large tracts of land.

Conclusion

Fish farming in Kenya provides an opportunity for farmers to earn steady income, improve food security, and contribute to environmental sustainability. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced farmer, investing in tilapia farming can be both fulfilling and profitable.

By following the steps in this guide and committing to best practices, you can build a successful fish farming venture and meet the growing demand for quality fish in Kenya and beyond.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWDoftXGU-E

Get accurate weather data using your own Weather Station

If you are a farmer in Kenya, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t have a weather station. The weather and its variability plays a direct role in the success (or failure) of your farm. Take for example bailing hay: having a weather station will help you decide whether conditions are right to do so. Or perhaps you have temperature-sensitive crops. Picking the right time to plant your seeds could mean the difference between failure and success. The most common reason for farm failure is crop failure due to weather-related events. While a farm weather station won’t eliminate this threat, it will at least help you become better prepared for it. Knowing is half the battle, so why be in the dark about something so important to your livelihood? There’s another good reason for a weather station on your farm, too. Chances are you’re far away from the nearest official weather station, which are typically in city or town far away. Weather is so variable that it can change over the course of a few miles, so it’s foolish to base your decisions on weather data from a station in the city. A weather station will help you manage your crops more efficiently, for example, it will provide you with the data to make better irrigation decisions, protect crops from hail damage and help you observe wind conditions before spraying. Farms of any size benefit from weather data. For a small farm, a single station is likely sufficient. However, larger farms might want to consider several. If you have 1,000 acres or more, you’ll want to have weather data from several spots on your property. There’s good reason for this, too. It’s entirely possible that weather conditions like temperature and humidity may vary over very small distances, and may be important in making decisions on whether to spray pesticides, lay manure and perform other weather-dependent farm maintenance.

Using the Data from your Weather Station?

Weather stations give you an up-to-the-minute glimpse at the weather, but the best way to use this data is to look for patterns over time. Take for example crop planting. If they’re susceptible to cold weather, you’re certainly not going to want to plant crops when the risk is still high. By using archived weather station data over a period of time, you’ll be able to make a better decision on when is best to plant those crops and irrigate them.

The Importance of the Forecast

Yes, we’ve stressed the need for farmers to own a weather station, but it would be irresponsible not to mention the importance of also staying on top of weather forecasts. A personal weather station is not going to give you warning of crop-damaging hail. Meteorologists are trained to predict these events and can give you days to prepare rather than minutes or hours. Your weather station is still useful here, for example, on a cold night when a hard freeze is predicted, you can use the station to monitor the actual temperature, and adjust your mitigation efforts to minimize loss.

Weather Affects Your Agribusiness

Weather plays a huge role in your livelihood as a farmer. One miscalculation could mean crop failure. With overhead costs so high these days, there is very little room for error. It’s for this reason why we highly recommend all farmers invest in a personal weather station. While you won’t be able to stop severe weather events, you’ll at least be armed with hyper-local weather data to understand better how you might be affected, and how you should react. It might be a several thousand (or a million shilling) investment, but we think it is a wise one. You can purchase a weather station by clicking Here
cabbage farming in Kenya profit

Cabbage Farming Profit Per Acre

Introduction to Cabbage farming in Kenya

Cabbage farming is an important and lucrative agricultural activity in Kenya, providing a source of income for many farmers across the country. The popularity of cabbage farming can be attributed to its cost-effectiveness and long shelf-life, making it a preferred vegetable in many households. This vegetable along with Sukuma wiki, are the best vegetables to eat during tough times. In this article, we will delve into the various aspects of cabbage farming in Kenya, from planting to harvesting, and explore the potential for profitability in this sector.

Cabbage farming in Kenya and its growing process

Cabbage belongs to the Brassica Oleraceae family, which includes other vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and kale. These vegetables are usually grown from seeds, which are easily accessible in agrovets all over Kenya. Cabbage is a temperate crop that grows best in cool climates, where there is a significant difference between day and night temperatures. This temperature difference is crucial for the formation of the cabbage head, which is made up of short, thick stalk-bearing leaves that form a tight ball or head shape.

Cabbage farming growing conditions and nutrition

Cabbages have high water requirements, and they need a consistent supply of moisture to grow and develop properly. They thrive in areas with at least 500 millimeters of rainfall per year, and they may require additional irrigation during dry periods.

In addition to being cost-effective, cabbages are also a nutritious vegetable. They contain essential nutrients such as calcium, iron, and vitamins, which are important for maintaining good health. However, they are relatively low in protein compared to other vegetables.

Cabbages can be eaten in a variety of ways. They are commonly boiled, steamed, or stir-fried and served as a side dish or used as an ingredient in soups and stews. They are also used raw in salads, where they add a crunchy texture and a slightly bitter flavor. Overall, cabbages are a versatile and healthy vegetable that can be enjoyed in many different ways.

Planting and harvesting

To grow cabbages successfully, farmers should start by planting the seedlings in a nursery and transplanting them when they are about 10 to 12 cm high and around four to six weeks old. The cabbage heads are ready for harvest when they become firm to the touch, which is usually about four months after transplanting, depending on the variety chosen. Cabbages are best stored in a cool, shaded area, and they can weigh up to 4 kg each. On average, the yield/population per acre is between 11,000 and 15,000 heads.

Profitability and pricing of Cabbage farming in Kenya

  • Cabbage farming can be profitable in Kenya, with a potential net profit of Ksh 210,863 per acre, according to the DLTP television program.
  • However, this profit is calculated after deducting expenses such as farm equipment, chemicals, seeds, and labor.
  • It is important to note that the cost of an irrigation system is not included in these expenses.
  • The price of cabbages can vary depending on the season, with an oversupply often seen late in the rainy season.
  • Farmers with drip irrigation systems can plan their planting times to ensure that they have cabbages available for sale during the dry season when prices are highest.

Factors to consider before starting Cabbage farming in Kenya

Starting a successful cabbage farming business requires careful planning and consideration of various factors. Here are some points that elaborate on the factors that one should consider before starting cabbage farming:

  • Soil health: Cabbage plants require well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter and nutrients. Testing soil pH and fertility levels is essential to determine if any amendments are necessary.
  • Fertilizers: The type and quantity of fertilizer needed for cabbage farming depend on the soil fertility levels and the cabbage variety being grown. One should consult with agronomists or agricultural extension officers for the right recommendations.
  • Crop variety: There are several varieties of cabbage available in Kenya, and choosing the right one can make a significant difference in crop yield and profitability.
  • Manure: Organic manure such as farmyard manure and compost can improve soil fertility and reduce the use of chemical fertilizers. Before applying manure, it should be well-composted to prevent the introduction of weed seeds and pathogens.
  • Transportation to the market: Having an efficient transportation system to get the cabbages from the farm to the market is crucial. One should consider the cost and availability of transportation before starting the farming business.
  • Irrigation needs: Cabbages require adequate water for growth and yield. In areas with erratic rainfall patterns, it is essential to have a reliable irrigation system in place.
  • Planting timing: The time of planting will affect the growth and yield of cabbage crops. Farmers should plan their planting time to coincide with the rainy season or use irrigation during dry seasons.
  • Target market: One should identify potential markets before starting cabbage farming. Some of the target markets include local markets, boarding schools, hospitals, government institutions, NGOs, export markets, and urban areas.

Conclusion

Overall, cabbage farming can be a profitable venture for farmers in Kenya. With the right conditions, farming techniques, and marketing strategies, cabbage farming can provide a sustainable source of income.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-XPGtFpoBw&pp=ygUeY2FiYmFnZSBmYXJtaW5nIGluICBzbWFydCBmYXJt
Cabbage farming in Kenya

If you are a cabbage farmer, please share your experiences in the comments section below.

Macadamia: The next profit making frontier

Kenyan coffee farmers who used to grow macadamia trees to shade their coffee bushes are now abandoning coffee in pursuit of macadamia farming. The East African nation, known for its prized Arabica coffee, is gaining a reputation for its macadamia nuts, with production rising to a record in 2017. Expansion in the world’s third-biggest grower of the crop is being driven by demand from China, according to Nairobi-based agro-processor Nawiri Agribusiness EPZ Ltd. Farmgate prices for unshelled macadamia nuts have risen to as high as KES 180 a kilo this season from about KES 70 at the start in December, and may climb to KES 200, according to Alfred Busolo, head of Kenya’s State-run Agriculture and Food Authority. By contrast, many coffee farmers operate at a loss, with their beans earning about KES 55 per kilo, according to a report last year by London-based advocacy group Fair Trade.
Farmers are beginning to discover that this is gold, said Loise Maina, one of three founders of Nawiri Agribusiness. Wherever coffee is grown, macadamia also grows and farmers are now aware of the opportunity with macadamia.
Kenyan coffee production has dwindled after years of mismanagement by the industry regulator to 38,620 tonnes last year from a peak of 130,000 tonnes in 1989. Macadamia production increased five per cent to 41,614 tonnes last year, after growing more than 20 per cent over the preceding two years, according to the AFA. At current prices, last year’s macadamia crop was worth Sh7.49 billion. The coffee industry earned KES 15.9 billion last year, according to the Nairobi Coffee Exchange. Farmers in Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Murang’a, and Kirinyaga - highland regions that surround Mt Kenya, the source of the volcanic soil that suffuses Kenyan coffee with its strong acidic and fruity notes - are now the biggest producers of macadamia in the country. Increasing output helped Kenya overtake the US as the third-biggest producer in 2013, a position it has held since then. Australia produced 14,100 tonnes of nut kernels last year, compared with South Africa’s 13,383 tonnes and Kenya’s 5,795 tonnes, according to the Reus, Spain-based International Nut & Dried Fruit Council. The US is the biggest importer of shelled macadamia, according to the council’s latest statistics, followed by China and Japan. Producers exported 31,187 tonnes in 2016, more than double shipments made a decade earlier. Kenya’s production is expected to increase within the next four years when saplings with better yields mature, according to Maina, who sources the nuts from subsistence farmers. Nairobi-listed agriculture companies, including Kakuzi Plc and Sasini Plc, have joined small-scale farmers in diversifying into the high-value nuts that are eaten raw, roasted, or added to confectionery. Macadamia oil, which is unsaturated and cholesterol-free, is used mainly in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Kakuzi has been producing kernels since 2016, having planted macadamia trees where it once had coffee. Macadamia sales more than doubled to KES 371.6 million last year, according to its latest annual report, making the nuts the company’s second-biggest earner after avocados. Smaller rival Sasini, which has been growing coffee since the colonial era that ended in 1963, is constructing a macadamia-processing factory that is scheduled to crush its first nuts this month.
Both these new lines of business, macadamia and avocado, show a lot of promise and the respective industries are thriving globally,” Sasini said in its latest annual report.
Kenya now has 27 licensed macadamia processors, from just five in 2013, AFA’s Busolo said. Other than ensuring there is regulation to govern the sector, the agency will stay out of the industry, he said. With coffee, poor management by the State proved harmful, farmers say. Source: Standard Media

Benefits of Drones in Farming

Benefits Summary

  • Increase Yields: Improve production, efficiency and get higher yields by identifying problems before they happen with increased crop health awareness and frequency.
  • Save time: Drones can be set up and deployed quickly. This ease of use allows farmers to gain information routinely or whenever they need it.
  • Plan for the future: Generate precision orthomosaic maps for better crop planning and land management.
Agricultural drones have been changing the face of farming and cultivation heavily the past 3-5 years, and completely changing the way that many farmers and other entities go about their business. These drones have the ability to check storm damage, monitor crop progress, and make sure that both crops and herds are healthy. Precision agriculture is a farming management concept that uses drones for agriculture to measure, observe, and respond to variability found in crops. When you implement all of the new technology that is available out there including drones in agriculture, you can apply resources (even if limited), to make sure that the farm has a very maximum yield. For the best results while doing this, geo-tagged images taken of fields, real-time feedback and logs, and crop yield and other data are all used to take note of any changes to make for the farm’s health. As weather conditions become more intense, hail storms do damage, and other very important elements such as drought and pesticide use require farmers to make very important decisions, these drones for sale are so powerful and innovative that they can ease the burden a bit. It’s fast becoming clear that drone technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we do plenty of things. But aside from giving us the opportunity to shoot the perfect wedding videos or capturing political rallies, it’s obvious that UAVs stand to make a meaningful difference in any industry where ground needs to be covered quickly. A perfect example of this is in the world of agriculture. From automated planting to crop management and real-time monitoring, drones have an important role to play in the future of farming.

Crop Monitoring and Health Assessment

Drones can leverage existing technologies to improve crop farming. For instance, for over 40 years, agronomists and scientists have used Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to assess the health of crops and plants. NDVI was created when scientists learned that a plant’s unique reflection of a combination of visible red light and near-infrared (NIR) light gave a good indication of plant health — far superior to what the reflectance of visible light can reveal. NDVI is a single measure that characterizes this information. In precision agriculture, NDVI data provides growers with an accurate measurement of crop vigor and allows them to zero in on problem areas that may need further attention. NDVI information is captured by NDVI sensor which processes wavelengths of light outside of those captured by regular RGB cameras, like you have on your cell phone. Advances in technology have allowed for integration of high-quality NDVI imagers onto drones and now some companies offer sensors that integrate onto several of the most popular UAV platforms. Even the smallest consumer-grade drones with accurate NDVI sensors can rival any expensive remote-sensing platform. And when combined with sophisticated NDVI analytics, and comparative data from previous flights, significant progress can be made in crop planning, optimizing inputs and recognizing crop health issues before they become major problems.

Crop Spraying

Measuring equipment—ultrasonic echoing and lasers such as those used in the light-detection and ranging, or LiDAR, method—enables a drone to adjust altitude as the topography and geography vary, and thus avoid collisions. Consequently, drones can scan the ground and spray the correct amount of liquid, modulating distance from the ground and spraying in real time for even coverage. This results in increased efficiency with a reduction of the amount of chemicals penetrating into groundwater. In fact, experts estimate that aerial spraying can be completed up to five times faster with drones than with traditional machinery.

Irrigation

Drones with hyper-spectral, multi-spectral, or thermal sensors can identify which parts of a field are dry or need improvements. Additionally, once the crop is growing, drones allow the calculation of the vegetation index, which describes the relative density and health of the crop, and show the heat signature, the amount of energy or heat the crop emits.

Livestock Monitoring

Drones with thermal imaging cameras allow a single remote pilot in command to monitor livestock. The operator can check in on the herd to see if there are nay injured, missing or birthing animals. Drones give livestock farmers a new way to keep an eye on their animals at all times, resulting to greater profits and management.  

IEBC CEO Chiloba retreats to farming in Trans Nzoia

Journalists recently visited Chiloba for a chat on farm located in Kwanza, Trans-Nzoia County. The IEBC Chief Executive has decided to embark on agribusiness as he battles his forced leave in court.
Don’t think Chiloba is idle. I’m busy in the village. I have much peace here. I am so tired of the noises out there. My target is to transform this piece of land into something more productive, - Chiloba.
Mr Chiloba says he has planted 600 passion-fruit trees, 500 tissue culture bananas, 100 avocado trees and 340 coffee trees plus a number of indigenous trees. The IEBC CEO said he would lead by example on matters agriculture, saying he would like other people to emulate him. He said the area Governor Patrick Khaemba and agricultural experts from the region were emphasizing on growing of high-value crops that will withstand challenges of weather, pests and diseases.
I want to make the farm a model for the community and my desire is to make residents transform their lives through agri-business instead of relying on maize, which has become valueless and frustrated most farmers, he said.
  He said he will not only focus on developing his farm but also on giving back to the community as their son. On his career, the CEO believes his ambitions to rise higher were still on course, saying he was still young and energetic, Luhya leaders taken issue with ongoing battle between Mr Chiloba and Mr Chebukati.
The two are our sons. Why are they fighting? This position was meant for the Luhya community today and if the body was to be disbanded today we will not get the appointment again - Mr Joshua Werunga the Trans-Nzoia County Assembly Speaker.
Mr Chiloba bowed In October 2017 to pressure and took a three-week break during the repeat presidential elections.