Horticultural production and marketing in Kenya : Part 2A: Horticultural production in Nyandarua District

Two-thirds of the area of Nyandarua (Central Province, Kenya) is suited for horticulture and the district's farmers have developed a flourishing horticultural industry. In 1990, a farm survey was carried out among 240 rural households in eight sublocations to study the production of vegetables, fruits and cut-flowers. Almost all households studied grew vegetables, with over 90 percent of them selling part of the harvest in 1990. The vegetables on average accounted for about half of household net income and cash revenues. Potatoes are by far the most important vegetable. The most common fruits are plums and pears. For the moment, the most important problem faced by the farmers is the increasing costs of inputs. Farmers also have to cope with unpassable roads after heavy rains, which leaves them with unsold produce. Conditions for a successful future of horticultural production in Nyandarua include improvement of infrastructure, market-oriented production and diversification by farmers