Pawpaw farming in Kenya is a smart choice for farmers looking to make good money while working with a fruit that grows fast and requires less space.
Also known as papaya, pawpaw is a nutritious and sweet tropical fruit that is always in demand in local markets. With proper care, a single tree can produce dozens of fruits each season.
This guide will take you through everything you need to know—from choosing the right variety to harvesting and marketing your produce.
Understanding Pawpaw Farming In Kenya
Pawpaw farming in Kenya has gained popularity due to the fruit’s short maturity period, steady local demand, and ability to thrive in different regions. Farmers across the country are switching to pawpaw farming because it requires low maintenance compared to crops like maize or sugarcane.
Best Pawpaw Varieties for Kenyan Farmers
The success of farming largely depends on the variety you choose. Here are the most common and profitable types:
- IPB9 – High-yielding and disease-resistant. Very suitable for most Kenyan climates.
- Solo Sunrise—Popular for its sweet taste and small size, making it ideal for export.
- Red Lady Dwarf Pawpaw – Early maturing and great for areas with limited space.
- Mountain Pawpaw—Known for its large, sweet fruits.
- Malkia F1 – Hybrid type with good disease resistance.
- Sinta F1—Yields well and adapts easily to most regions.
- Golden Caliman – Attractive golden color and good market value.
- Red Royal F1 – High productivity and bright red flesh.
- Hermaphroditic Solo Pawpaw – Produces perfect flowers that self-pollinate, increasing fruiting.
Experts recommend IPB9 and Solo Sunrise for Kenyan farmers due to their adaptability and high yields.
Right Conditions for Growing Pawpaw
To thrive, pawpaw needs specific environmental conditions. Here’s what you should look for:
- Rainfall—Well-distributed annual rainfall of about 1000 mm.
- Soil—Well-drained soils with pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Add compost to improve humus content.
- Altitude—Best below 2100m above sea level.
- Temperature—Between 20°C and 22°C is ideal for proper growth.
Proper site selection will help your trees grow fast and bear fruits sooner.
Propagating Pawpaw from Seeds
Pawpaw is mainly propagated through seeds, which can be extracted from ripe pawpaw fruits.
- Step 1 – Soak the seeds in water for 48 hours to break dormancy.
- Step 2 – You can sow the seeds directly in the field or raise them in a nursery.
- Step 3 – If using a nursery, transplant the seedlings after 2 months.
Recommended spacing is 3 meters by 3 meters. Each planting hole should be 60 cm deep and 60 cm wide. With this setup, you can plant over 1,000 trees per acre.
Fertiliser and Manure Application
At planting, apply Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) and mix in well-decomposed manure. This supports strong root development and healthy early growth.
Top-dress your plants every few months with Nitrogen-based fertilisers to boost leaf and fruit development.
Common Pawpaw Pests and Diseases
Pawpaw is vulnerable to several pests and diseases that can reduce yields if not managed well.
Pests to watch out for:
- Mealy bugs
- Spider mites
- Thrips
- Nematodes
- Grasshoppers and crickets
Diseases include:
- Damping off
- Anthracnose
- Papaya mosaic virus
To manage these issues:
- Use certified seeds.
- Practice crop rotation.
- Apply well-decomposed manure.
- Spray organic or chemical pesticides when necessary.
When and How to Harvest Pawpaw
Pawpaw fruits are ready for harvesting 8 to 9 months after planting. You’ll know they’re ready when the bottom tip of the fruit starts turning yellow.
Harvest with care to avoid bruising. Use gloves and gentle hands when picking. Store in a cool, shaded place to avoid early spoilage.
Marketing Pawpaw in Kenya
Kenya has a vibrant local market for pawpaw. You can sell your fruits in:
- Open-air markets
- Grocery shops
- Roadside stalls
- Supermarkets
Prices vary by region, but on average, one kilogram sells for Ksh 50 to 60. Farmers selling in bulk to urban vendors or juice processors can make even more.
To earn better profits:
- Sort fruits by size and ripeness.
- Wash and pack them well.
- Target urban areas or towns with limited supply.
Pawpaw farming in Kenya offers a great opportunity for both small and large-scale farmers. It doesn’t require huge capital and can start earning income within a year.
With the right variety, good spacing, and timely pest control, you can enjoy multiple harvests for years. Whether you’re planting for home use or commercial sale, pawpaw is a fruit that truly pays off.
