Third part of a study undertaken within the framework of the Food and Nutrition Studies Programme (FNSP), a Kenyan-Dutch cooperation project. The study examined the production and marketing of... Show moreThird part of a study undertaken within the framework of the Food and Nutrition Studies Programme (FNSP), a Kenyan-Dutch cooperation project. The study examined the production and marketing of horticultural commodities in selected districts in Kenya. Part 3 focuses on Taita Taveta district in Coast Province. The two main areas of horticultural production in the district are the Taita Hills (tomatoes and cabbages) and the land around the Taveta springs (tomatoes, onions and bananas). The study is based on two surveys held in 1991: a farm survey, carried out among 153 households, and a trade survey, carried out among traders in three selected markets. It shows that horticulture is a major source of cash for farmers in Taita Taveta. The most important production constraints for households without horticulture are shortage of land and lack of credit facilities in Taita, and lack of irrigation facilities in Taveta. The district has a limited number of local horticultural markets, where trading conditions are far from ideal. The upgrading of market places is an important condition for further development of horticultural production and marketing in the area. Show less
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... Show moreTwo-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. Show less
