This archive report was first published on 22 November 2019.
On November 22, 2019, Kirinyaga County Governor Anne Waiguru announced the distribution of 50,000 macadamia seedlings to support local farmers.
The initiative aims to help farmers diversify their incomes and take advantage of the lucrative macadamia farming business.
According to Governor Waiguru, macadamia plants are easier to grow and have a low cost of production, making them an attractive option for farmers.
A macadamia tree can produce an average of 70 kilos of nuts per season, with a kilo selling for Sh150.
The county government estimates that the distribution of the free seedlings will help achieve a nut production potential of 13,000 metric tonnes.
However, a separate report by Kenya Markets Trust has highlighted the challenges faced by small-scale farmers in adopting best farm practices due to lack of clear policy on fertiliser use and soil testing, as well as high costs.
The report, which was commissioned in 2015, covered Uasin-Gishu, Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, and Kakamega counties and found that most farmers do not conduct soil testing, with only 55% of respondents saying they were knowledgeable about the use of lime.
