Have you ever thought of embarking on farming in Kajiado but do not know of where to start? This article is here to guide you on the reasons you should start farming in Kajiado county and the suitable type of crops that tend do well in the county.
The region has specific conditions that make it suitable for certain types of crops to do well.Among the many cash crops,the following really do well in Kajiado county;
Maize
Maize as we all know is a staple crop grown in different parts of Kenya. However,Kajiado county climate and soil conditions are very conducive for maize cultivation. The county receives moderate rainfall and farmers get to utilize irrigation methods during dry periods.
Beans
Beans is another popular crop in Kajiado county. Beans are relatively drought-tolerant and can be grown alongside maize,providing a diversified source of income for farmers.
Sorghum and Millet
The above cereal crops are well-suited to the arid and semi-arid conditions of Kajiado County. Sorghum and miller have a relatively short growing season and require less water compared to other crops
Green vegetables
Kales,spinach and cabbages are the green vegetables that do well in the region.The crops are high in demand and can fetch good prices in the local markets
Fodder crops
Due to the region’s significance in livestock farming,fodder crops like Napier grass and Rhodes grass are commonly grown to provide feed for animals. The availability of ample grazing land makes Kajiado county suitable for livestock farming.
Reasons why you should consider farming in Kajiado County
Favourable climate
Kajiado county experiences semi-arid climate,characterized by moderate rainfall and relatively high temperatures. The semi-arid climate makes it suitable for the growth of crops adapted to arid conditions.
Access to markets
The county is in close proximity to Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city,and other urban centers.The proximity provides farmers with easy access to markets,allowing you to sell the produce and generate income.
Abundance of land
The region has vast tracts of land available for agricultural activities. The land provides opportunities for expansion and large scale farming operations.
Livestock integration
Livestock farming is a significant part of Kajiado county agricultural sector. Integrating crop farming with livestock rearing creates a synergistic relationship,where crops can provide fodder for animals and animal waste can be used as fertilizer for crops.
Potential for value addition
Besides primary crop production,there is potential for value addition and agro-processing in Kajiado county. Farmers can explore opportunities to process and package their produce,thereby increasing its value and profitability.
However,before you embark on this journey in Kajiado,it is essential to conduct thorough research,seek local expertise and consider factors such as access to water,availability of infrastructure,market demand and financial feasibility of the venture.