This archive report was first published on 10 August 2019.
Western Kenya is witnessing a shift in agricultural practices, with farmers embracing palm tree farming as a lucrative alternative to sugar cane. The crop, which was first introduced in the region in 2004, has gained popularity due to its high yield and versatility.
Joseph Abuti, a farmer from Lunza in Butere, is one of the many farmers who have switched to growing palm trees. He started with 300 seedlings from the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (Kalro) in 2011 and now has 250 palm trees on his five-acre farm.
Abuti's farm is a testament to the potential of palm tree farming. The crop takes about six years to become productive and yields for a maximum of six years continuously. One acre can accommodate 42 palm trees, and a stem of the crop yields up to Sh5,400 a year.
Harvesting is a continuous process, and the fruits are threshed to remove berries from batches and then cleaned. The berries are boiled for at least five minutes to soften them before being mashed into a fleshy pulp using a wooden mortar and pestle.
Titus Omengo, a Kakamega county official, says palm tree farming is in the County Integrated Development Plan as one of the crops which need to be promoted. The county is looking for partners to provide seedlings, beef up technology, and provide training to farmers.
According to Omengo, the county is promoting the crop during field days, exhibitions, and other farmers' forums to encourage more people to take it up. The crop is rich in vitamin E and has no cholesterol, making it a good option for people who are hypertensive or diabetic.
However, palm tree farming is not without its challenges. The crop is susceptible to pests and diseases, including ants, birds, moles, and wild animals. Despite these challenges, farmers like Abuti and Mambo are optimistic about the potential of palm tree farming.
As the demand for palm oil continues to grow, farmers in western Kenya are poised to reap the benefits of this lucrative crop.
