AGRIBUSINESS

Strawberry Farming in Kenya Many individuals are starting strawberry farming in Kenya. The traditional maize and wheat type of farming is being replaced by more profitable and efficient ways that are aimed at providing both sustainability and profitability. Strawberries have emerged as some of the sought after fruits in the Kenyan market prompting many farmers to venture into the business and establish strawberry farms in Kenya with the hopes of earning from it. When selecting a site for strawberry farming in Kenya, a farmer should consider factors such as air and adequate water. Sites that are lower than the land around them are vulnerable to frost as cold air being dense/heavier than hot air will settle on the plants. Level or slightly higher grounds are advised. Like any other crop, water is important for farmers to succeed in strawberry farming. Some strawberry farms in Kenya have adopted drip irrigation and this increases strawberry production in Kenya as ...

Cabbage is a common vegetable that grows especially well in fertile and well-drained soils. The increasing demand for vegetables has contributed to the growing popularity of this crop, particularly in the urban areas. For the grower keen on maximizing cabbage production, knowledge of major cabbage pests and diseases and their control is essential. Cabbage Farming in Kenya –  Requirements Soils:-  For optimal growth, cabbages require well drained soils with a pH of 5.6 to 6.4. Loamy, black cotton and alluvial soils are best suited for this crop. Climate:-  The crop does well in cooler climates with adequate and well distributed rains. It can also flourish under irrigation in the lower altitudes. Weeding:-  The crop should be kept free of weeds especially in its younger stages to avoid losses due competition from weeds; which can also be a source of pests and should be controlled at all times. Spacing:-  A 60 cm by 60 cm spacing is recommended. The furt...

  Mushroom Farming in Kenya Kenya has developed a mushroom variety suited for warm weather, opening a new revenue stream for Mushroom Farming in Kenya. The button type is also resistant to fungal and bacterial diseases. Scientists at the  Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology  – Institute of Biotechnology Research (IBR), have studied soils and found that the warm October – March season is ideal for growing the new variety, agaricus bitorquis . It grows at 25 degrees Celsius above other varieties. Kenyan farmers have been growing  the  agaricus bisphorus  type, which, is unfriendly to small growers who are unable to regulate temperatures close to the ideal 19 or 20 degrees Celsius. Such conditions have locked Mombasa, Kisumu and even areas around Nairobi out of mushroom farming, which has become popular among people changing their eating habits. Demand for mushrooms has been growing but there has bee...

For a long time, rabbit farming in Kenya has not been taken seriously. In many African societies, rabbits are considered as pets for young boys. This is however not the case as farmers can now make good money rearing rabbits. We set out to find out more about rabbit farming in Kenya. Rabbit production is one of the livestock enterprises with the greatest potential and room for expansion in Kenya. This is because of their minimal investment requirements and ability to reproduce fast. Their feed requirement is low, especially with regard to demand for grain. Their housing and disease control management requirements are also low yet their meat is highly nutritious and healthier source of protein when compared with other sources of meat. Rabbit production has experienced a steady growth in the past few years, with gender biases associated with its production fading away. This is a significant change considering that for many years rabbit production in Kenya was confined to the youth, ma...

Tomato Farming in Kenya Every farmer looks for tricks to better tomato farming in Kenya. Most Kenyan farmers started with tomato farms having been told of the huge profits in the market. The truth sometimes is hard to bear as a lot of us, small scale farmers  have lost fortunes in tomato farming Kenya . Ecological Requirements Before planting tomatoes, the following factors should be considered:- Location for planting:-  Water proximity should be as close as possible to the planting field to avoid added costs of pumping water. Although water tanks can be used and this is specifically suitable when using drip irrigation system. The previous crop planted:-  Tomatoes should not be planted immediately after potatoes or pepper and a 3 month break should be observed. This is to minimize on risk of diseases and reduce costs on disease management. Topology:-  Gently sloping land is best as it facilitates drainage during rainy periods especiall...

Kenya is one of the largest producers of milk in Africa. Large scale dairy farming in Kenya accounts for 20 percent of national milk production and small scale farming 80 percent.  Dairy Farming in Kenya is a type of farming whereby cattle are kept for milk production. It is mainly practiced in several parts of the Rift Valley and the Central, Eastern, Coast and Western parts of Kenya. It is mostly practiced by small-scale holders, who account for 80% of the milk produced in Kenya, while large-scale farming accounts for the remaining 20%. There are two types of dairy farming in Kenya, namely:- Commercial dairy farming. Domestic dairy farming. Commercial Dairy Farming in Kenya Commercial dairy farming in Kenya is practiced in both small and large scale farms. There are two types of commercial dairying in Kenya, namely: Highland commercial dairy fanning. Lowland commercial dairy farming. Highland Commercial Dairy  Highland commercial dairy farming i...