There were two interesting articles about trees in Kenya in the Money section of this morning’s Daily Nation. Not online, though, so I’ll have to summarize. One piece describes how farmers in Nyeri are adopting a number of short-statured mango varieties from South Africa and Israel, apparently including things called Apple, Kent, Vydke and Tommy. This is not a mango-growing region, but these particular varieties have been found to be a good fit on the small farms of the area, to yield heavily and early, and to be good for juice. So now there’s no need to truck mangoes in from the coast. Good for Nyeri farmers, perhaps not so good for coast farmers? This may not be a zero-sum game: I don’t know enough about the supply of, and demand for, mango in Kenya to predict what will happen, but I would try to conserve those coastal varieties ex situ somewhere just to be on the safe side.
Then there was also a piece on how the Tree Biotechnology Project has been successful in cloning a number of indigenous trees (including for example Prunus africana, whose bark feeds a large international market for a prostate cancer drug) and providing planting materials to farmers. It seems previously the project’s focus has been on eucalypts. This is expected to take pressure off wild populations and contribute to reforestation, but there was nothing in the Daily Nation article about the downside of planting large areas of genetically identical clones. However, this is clearly a problem the project recognizes, as you can see for example by reading on page 28 of this brief on some of its activities:
Planting large areas of single clones will have the effect of decreasing rather than increasing biodiversity, and the risk of narrowing the genetic base needs to be managed to avoid growing pest and disease problems. Mondi has a policy to restrict planting of a single clone to no more than 5% of any planting area, and the project is adhering to this policy. In order to maintain biodiversity, the project team will select a wide range of local tree species of economic value and will feed these into the clonal production system through adaptive tissue culture research. Once the capacity to adapt the techniques of micro-propagation to different species is fully in place, there will be great potential for the project to multiply and disseminate a wide range of improved germplasm of different tree species, including those that are under threat of over-exploitation and extinction, such as ebony.
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It’s a pity that real people (locals and the ones in hot spots do not have access to the internet at all. This article is great but the but doesn’t affects politicians. In my country i have seen large replanted areas with one single tree specie. Do they grow?? Not at all. It is a “Bonsai” plantation. How can we reach the ones that need this information? How can we engaged the government to think hard before taking a fatal decision?
Jambo,
Am a Kenyan interested in farming, this article has touched me in the sense of what is my vision to date.
Am intending to plant 4000 mango trees in the next 12 months on my 7 acre (2 piece land) but am lacking the support both financial and technology.
Currently have already planted 300 which are 2 months old on my land
This being a family project am hoping 5years down the line when my daughter will be ready to join secondary school i will be in a position to raise her school fees.
My expectations are $8 per year per tree which will translate to $32000 per year. This is a life time fortune for the ages to come, also the idea of environment is well taken care of, labour, better nutrition etc. for the entire community as we try to meet the UN MDGs by 2015.
Dear Victor
Thanks for posting. It sounds like you have a very exciting project planned. I wonder, how many different kinds of mango do you plan to plant? Please keep us informed on the progress of your work.
Hi Jeremy,
Thanks so much for your encouragement. Actually i just remove the husk and plant the seed and after two weeks they do germinate so that i can transfer them in polythene papers in the nursery, am in the process of putting more mango seedlings on the nursery actually 300 more are already in place. My way of doing this is that after 1 year on the ground I intend to graft them with the four series which i have already seen in place ie Apple, Kent, Vydke and Tommy.
As I focus on this project Large-scale mango tree planting also means sustainably reforestating our countryside and greening hectares and hectares of idle and denuded land. The program’s far-reaching environmental impact can not be undermined.
As I support the United Nations Environment Programme A billion tree campaign I believe that a community Pay Back or, Corporate Social Responsibility, need not be an expense, a tax write-off nor an afterthought. I can plant trees that are also going to be profitable. I am a part of an environmental advocacy with a good business sense which is also lucrative but still attain the same objective of greening the environment. Isn’t that much better than just planting any odd tree?
Hi Jeremy,
It as been a while since i blogged on this spot but still trying to plant trees for the well being of this world.Mangos so far have planted 700 trees of different varieties like Apple, Kent, Vydke and Tommy this is due to unavailabilty of one or two types sufficiently.
Since my target has been abit behind schedule have also chose not just to capitalise one one variety have also planted 800 papaya trees as at Nov 2007, and have also diversified my efforts to planting RED Creole onions which are doing very fine,so still trying.Thanks
Hi Jeremy,
A while now after new year 2008 kenya was in a dilemna following post election skirmishes but now all is well. Pawpaw trees are now 800, bananas 200 and mangos 700 and still marching on. Now am in search of groundwater for irrigation purposes through tapping rain water by a man made dam which can hold up to 100,000 litres but only for 2 weeks due to evaporation. Hoping all will be good. Keep in touch for positive enviromental upgrades through tree planting.
Dear Sir/Madam,
I have read your articles with great interest. I would wish to start farming vegetables and fruits. I was wondering what kind of technology you use, if you supply seeds, advice and the technology for first time farmers. We have a large farm in South Nyanza and i believe we can make good use of it in farming fruits (Mangoes, pawpaws, avocadoes, oranges) and vegetables (tomatoes, onions, amaranthus, sweetpotatoes & arrowroots)for sustainable development. Kindly send me any information/advice i may require or contact person to advice me. Your feedback will be highly appreciated. With kind regards Jerusha
Dear Jerusha,
We have bought a small plot near Oyugis and want to plant some fruit trees (avocado, lemon, orange, plum, peach, tamarind etc.). Have you gained some experience since you posted your request or can you tell me where to find good fruit tree nurseries in the region?
Thank you in advance.
Best regards Ole, Nairobi
Dear Jerusha
I’m afraid we do not venture into seeds, advice or technology. Our role is to discover interesting information and spread that around.
As we are not familiar with your area, it is difficult to make suggestions. I found a link here about a Kenyan Ministry project that might be of interest. It is concerned with livestock, but maybe they will be better placed to help you.
There is also a long list of NGOs in Kenya here.
Maybe one of them can help.
Good luck.
dear all,
Another suggestion come across, in Laikipia where i live some communities have already practiced charcoal burning and we had as CBO plan of growing the indiginious trees of semi- arid area and reseeding as proof and acknowledge the communities that our environment has alot to do with us if only we conserve.
Thankyou for the good work, that is what the future Kenya needs.Am interested in tree planting and promotion around my area in Kassarani (landscape trees). What are the different species that can be grown.
I would perhaps get in touch with KEFRI and ICRAF. They’re bound to have some suggestions.
Hi Victor Mulinge,
I am interested in hearing more about your experiences and progress so far. I too have some land in Nyeri where I want to plant similar trees to you. What’s the best way to hear more of your story and especially if you were to start now, how coud you have done things differently?
thanks
Hi Joe,
I hope that with time we can have a look at the project together since you are in Kenya. Am around Thika and that one can be arranged and then discuss more together. Trees are what we need to plant to take care of our environment, my pawpaws now are ready for disposal only looking forward for a reliable market. Therefore Joe just make efforts of leaving your contact and we will keep in touch.
Goodtimes.
@victor mulinge – Hi, my name is John and I have just stumbled on this blog as I was trying to do some research on planting mangoes on a two acre piece of land in the coast of Kenya. Where can I get more information as I am ready to get started and will be needing all the help I can get in terms of types of Mango to plant, fertilizers e.t.c the expected problems, pesticides and of course the market for the product. Please help me if you can.
Hi John,
I have seen your cocern on where to get information about mangoes and releated inforamtion.I would advice you to walk to a KARI Center at Mtwapa in Mombasa and I believe you will be assisted.
Victor
@Victor Mulinge – Hi Victor I would like to take this chance to say thank you and I will head to KARI in Mtwapa some time this week. Would the KARI offices here in Nairobi be of any help since I am currently in Nairobi. How is your venture going so far? I am encouraged when I discover that I am not alone in thinking that Agriculture is the way froward. Once again many thanks for your suggestion and also for your encouragement through your post.
John.
Hi John,
It is good to learn that you are determined to go farming,Karibu sana.Well my project is doing fine no complains so far.On the issue of KARI Nairobi is ok. since they work hand in hand with all the branches.
John remember that we should not be talking of relief food all the times we need to produce enough for our daily usage and when we manage just food all the developments will come in automatically.
Thanks too for your encouragement.
hi victor
Thank you very much for your effords in mango farming.Im a kenyan working in dubai and have also started the mango project in my farm in kitui.i so far i have 350grafted mango in my3 hecters of land al lthe seedings i bought from kamiti maximum prison at a cost of 150 per tree.i have also managed to buy another 8 acters of land which im also planing to continue with my project .im planing to plant 350 mango this coming rain season but this time im not going to buy from kamiti because oready i have nomal mango trees in polythine papers which im planing to plant and then graft after one year.im also lucky to have dug a borehole which has enough water.please keep on updating me more on your project because it makes me fell so much encouranged.infuct im planing to take farming as my career after im done with dubai
@victor mulinge –
Hi Victor,
I am a Kenyan living in Canada and I was impressed by your efforts to grow trees. Now, I have been reading about cappillary irrigation systems which can be installed underground so that you do not use too much water, otherwise your soils will become saline. The pipes can be made from the same materials as the traditional nyungu and buried in the ground in a line. But of course they will have holes so that water drains naturally just at the root level. You will save water and will not need to irrigate them each day. Also practice mulching…..cover all around each plant. I know Kenyans think their crops look fantastic without the mulch but they dry faster. I will not advise you to buy underground irrigation systems because you can make your own and fire them just like the nyungu or bricks. Go and read this article to give you ideas: http://www.kisss.com.au/. Also this: http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/water/msg0517323731282.html
I am sure that this will help you conserve water and make your dam water last longer. Try deepening the dam if the water is drying too quickly or get some clay material to put at the bottom…….you can buy it from Athi River mining company. Good luck. By the way, have you heard about the Terra Preta soils? If you borrow the techniques, your soil fertility will double. Go and read here: Wikipedia….terra preta, pyrolysis. Essential, you prepare makaa, add liquids.water, urine,..pombe and organic manure and mix in the soil. Let me know how it goes…….na uwafundishe wenzako……that will be progress.
Phillipina
PLS COULD YOU ADVISE ME PLS.MY FARM S TOPSOIL UPTO 6FT WAS STOLEN AND SOLD AS BUILDING SAND.I had travelled and the farm lacks a fence due to financial constraints could you pls advise me how to rahiabiliate it.some people advised me to plant trees but which trees wll grow and help the soil get back it nutrients and as well be commercialy profitable.thanx
Tariq,
the best solution would just to plant trees and try to solicit for soil from elsewhere
good luck
Hi Tariq,
Have you heard about the terra preta soils of ancient Amazon? See this
Wikipedia. Essential you prepare makaa, add liquids: water, urine, alcohol, fermented rotting fruits will do and organic manure and mix in the soil. Since you have said that you do not have soils, try and get some from elsewhere to mix with these terra preta soils which will build in time. Also, grow cover crops like clover, lablab and desmodium. Read this.
Good luck Tariq
hi victor
I have started a project for paw paw farming in my 5 acre shamba, so far i have 500 tree plant (mountain type) & am doing well however am concerned with the markets, please would be able to advice available market for the fruits locally.
thanks
charles.
Am a horticulturalists in Prisons department, I can assist and even supply grafted mango trees, avocado, passion e.t.c. I have the best variety. Be aware of the fake spices in the market and am not the type. contact thro: 0720 242 913 or chat thro E-mail.
martin mbui
I have seedlings of avocado (grafted with hass variety) passion (yellow passion grafted with purple passion), mango (Kent, Tommy, vdyke and apple mango), pawpaw etc. Anybody willing to plant contact me via cell No. 0720242913 or through my email address martinmbui@yahoo.com
I am imprest by the discussions on this site.
Victor Mulinge,
Please try doing more research on spacing because 4000 trees will not fit in 7 Acres of land. According to what I know 1 acre can hold a maximum of 76 mangoe trees with a spacing of 8mx8m in an area of 6.32 Acres. Again for you to make $ 32,000 in a year you don’t need 4000 trees, you can gain the same with mature 480 trees each producing at least 500 fruits and selling @ Ksh 10 ($0.1333). Think about it.
Thanks,
Japheth
HI.THE RAINY SEASON IS ROUND THE CORNER I HAVE 6 ACRE PLOT AT MTWAPA I ALREADY PLANTED 1000 CASAURINA TREES HOWEVER I WAS INFORMED THAT EUCLAPTUS TREES ARE FAST GROWNG AND COMMERCIALLY VIABLE.CAN U PLS ADVISE ME ON THE BEST EUCLYPTUS TREES THAT ARE BOTH COMMERCIALLY VIABLE FAST GROWING AND ENVIRONMETALLY FRIENDLY.AS I HAVE HEARD A LOT OF BAD STUFF REGARDING EUCALYPTUS TREES IN MAINSTREAM MEDIA.PLS CAN U EDUCATE ME ON THE BEST SPECIES OF SUCH TREES IDEAL FOR THEA COAST.AND WHERE I CAN BUY THEM……THANX
Hi guys and how are you all doing? I hope that all is well. Would anyone happen to know where someone can access the current commodity prices seeing that they are no longer published in the daily’s. I have some commodities and would like to have a guide to help in setting the price of what I currently have and want to sell. Thank you and have a good one.
Sincerely,
John.
Hi, I have a plan to plant 5,000 mangoe trees during the coming rainy season. I understand it’s cheaper to propagate the plants by yourself more than someone commercial. I wish to learn to this myself. Kindly assist on this issue. Thanks in advance.
Hi, I am planning to plant 100 paw paw seedlings. Does any one has an idea how long it takes from the seedling to harvesting the first fruits?
Second, I live near JKUAT, (Juja university) and they supply the following seedling varieties which they sell at a good price of 30 bob per seedling:
* Sweet Pawpaw
* Sunripe
* Mountain
* Solo
Has anybody ever planted the above and how do they perform? Thanks in advance.
Hi, i have planted 1400 solo Sunripe in october 2010 in kutus, i plant to plant another 2000 this season. papaya friut takes 9-12 months to mature after transplanting, mine are blooming now and expect to start harvesting from August 2011. With papaya you have to be patient, have extra seedlings. I started buy my own nursery, can help you get good seeds, i import my own seeds and want to specialise in papaya, melons and garlic. Cheers
Hi farmers,
Great blog you got going on here.
@Joseph, you mentioned in your post last year that you expected your first harvest to be ready by August 2011. How is that coming along. I am planning to farm paw paws….in fact I am already in the process of doing so. Could you kindly point out anything you deem important? Like:
- what pesticides do I need to spray, say for a 1000 stems?
- how often do I spray?
- how much manure and fertilizer?
- pruning, mulching…etc?
- is there a good market for the fruits?
Also, if anyone has some info on passion fruit farming, could you kindly post on this blog or email me?
Thanks a lot in advance.
Am interested in cultivating paw paws but i don’t know the different varieties and maturity periods please assist me
Hi All,
I want to grow paw paw and water melon in Konza ranch, which is the best breed and whats the maturity period
Hi guys, i’m from Machakos and there is a project that I want to start. I want to start a project of growing and selling seedlings to the ministry of forestry. The trees include cypress, pine and aviriety of trees found in our forests. So can anyone tell me on how I can get a ready market for the seedlings and at what cost do they buy the seedlings at. Thanks a lot.
Hi good people,
I’m planning to venture into mango farming on my 1 acre farm in Kitui county. Do i first plant the indigenous varieties and later graft or do plant the already grafted trees directly.
Thanks
JUSTUS KILONZO
Hi all,
I’m planning to start a mango farming in my family land in kilimambogo near Thika but the problem is that i’m green in this field.I don’t the variety of mango that is suited for this area, and also the marketing challenges..
Hi Boniface? If you come from around Kilimabogo just pay a visit to Kantara Farm in Donyo Sabuk you will get proper advice and the various seedlings.Good luck
hii
am in love with nature, thats why i started a tree nursery at Meru Kenya, now operating at 100000 plant per year. my target is to produce 500000 seedlings /year. i depend on local market which is small. i’m looking for the individual or organisations who together we can help distribute and plant trees to other parts of the country and make kenya a GREENCOUNTRY.
Contact Ayub cell 0722877447
Hallo
I m a Farmer from Narok County and have 50 acres of land by a permanent river. I would like to grow fruit trees by means of irrigation.
I m currently contacting the above two supplies to see if i will get sufficient advise on this.
If you have any fruit tree seedlings call me on 0773388022.
Its a good deal
Ero Supa,
I would like to ask you to put more effort on this fruit project and will never regret in the near future.So please just contact Mr.Martin Mbui from the prison department on: 0720 242 913,I beleive you will get the right choice of seedlings.
Hello Guys,
First of all i am grateful to have found this site as i was searching the information of growing Mangoes and i have found it has a very positive and good sharing information.
I am planning to grow mangoes in my five Acre land at Kitui and i would like to know if anyone has information like the spacing, the gratuity period, the best variety suited for dry kitui soils and like how much litres of water i can water them per day during the dry seson so that they dont wither or dry.I am currently based outside the country and i am planning to be iin Kenya by October to plant them before the rains start.
@ Victor Mulinge, i have seen your contribution and seems you have the information, can you please guide me more so on my email:-justusbyatt38@gmail.com.
Thank you all for your information
i stumbled on this blog abd it seems quite awesome to a farmer like me.i currently have about 500 trees and i am in the process of increasing to 4000 and i am seeking guidance on whether to continue growing kienyenji style that is planting seeds from my own fruits or profesionaly that is buying guide me please and to Victor how are your trees doing what are ur challenges if any?
I am very much interested with mango farming.I have already planted 250 different types of mangoes in my farm.Im intending to plant 5000 in my 20 acres farm.Last year there stories about Coca cola company project of making mango juice. Is this project still on?
Dear Symon, Thanks for your comment. I looked quickly and it seems that the Coca Cola mango juice project is still on. I found two links.
Global Juice Center Leaves Sustainable Legacy in Kenya
Coca-Cola invest US$62 million in Kenya to boost juice production
I hope these help. Let us know how you get on.
Symon, where is your farm? I have started the enterprise in Kerio Valley and it looks promising. Your spacing appears peculiar, you’ll require about 100 acres for 5000 seedlings. Let us compare notes.
Hi Guys
am coming form Nyanza kenya and interested in starting mango ferming in my 2 acres of land but i don’nt know where to get the seedling.could someone advise
Aloo
I thanks God for tree as apart of creation work of which is a re-service of my life in my existence i vote to preserve tree(msabibu)
This is what I have been missing ,am getting a lot of encouragement while going through this posts .Am planning to plant grafted mangoes on small piece of land and also to inter crop with paw paws .My only problem is to know where to get grafted seedlings in western kenya.
Hello Kenyans May God bless you all especially those who are have taken any initiative to plant any type of tree especially those that do well in your area. You have no idea how many trees are needed in Kenya and how much behind the is in terms of tree population. I say keep up the good work you are all doing.
I started planting tress when I was a little boy in primary school not that I knew the important of trees but I just had and still have love of trees. My first Cyprus trees that I planted in early 70s were harvested in mid 80s and since then I have been planting and crusading about planting of trees. I can count over 20,000 trees that I have as at now and I would request anyone who is able and have a piece of land to plant trees and make the world a better place to live. I have more to say about trees and how you can benefit by planting trees so if you don’t mind drop me a mail with your e-mail and I can share with you some important information that you don’t want to miss.
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