This archive report was first published on 9 October 2019.
On October 9, 2019, macadamia farmers in Meru County were facing a devastating pest attack that threatened to ruin their crops and livelihoods.
The stinkbug, a flower-ruining pest, had infested the macadamia trees, causing flower and fruit failure, and resulting in a more than 50% drop in yields during the February 2020 harvest.
Joshua Muriira, a farmer at Kitheo, Tigania East, where most macadamia is produced in the county, said all flowers had fallen from trees, and projected this would cut harvests.
‘Last season (between February and June) I harvested 4,600 kilos but due to this problem I might harvest less than half of that,’ he said, adding he sold most of his produce at an average Sh170, earning more than Sh750,000.
Mr Muriira, who is also the Meru Macadamia Farmers Association chairman, lamented that farmers had not been trained in taking care of their trees in the event of such pest attacks.
He also expressed frustration that when they grow their crops organically, there is no difference in prices, and they do not receive premium prices for the produce.
Michael Wachira, the Jungle Nuts manager in charge of farmers, defended the firm, saying last season they paid Sh10 a kilo in bonuses for farmers growing their crops organically.
Richard Ndegwa, head of Nuts and Oil Crops Directorate at the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), said stinkbug pest is controlled through biological and cultural methods for organically produced macadamia.
He added that agricultural extension services are under the county governments, and their inspection officers would also advise farmers on what to do.
