From Soil to Success: How Arrowroots Are Transforming a Farmer’s Life

Arrowroot, a hardy perennial with thick stalks and lush, bright leaves, is more than just a tropical root crop. Its tubers are packed with about 23% starch, making it a versatile ingredient in cooking, baking, and even medicinal applications. Despite its many uses, few farmers in Kenya have tapped into its full commercial potential until now.

Arrowroots

A Serendipitous Start

Gladys Chania returned home from the United States a few years ago and invested in three plots of land in the hilly Gatundu North Constituency in Kiambu County. Like many Kenyans returning from abroad, her goal was simple: own property. Farming was not on her radar; she was content merely owning land.

However, the previous owners had cultivated arrowroots along a stream that ran through the land. Observing her neighbors’ crops and intrigued by the simplicity of the plant, Gladys decided to give arrowroot farming a try. “I never imagined arrowroots could generate income,” she admits. “No one I knew had taken arrowroot farming seriously.”

From Backyard Experiment to Thriving Business

Six months later, it was harvest time, and Gladys faced her first challenge: what to do with the surplus. Her neighbors in Thika agreed to buy her produce, giving her the first taste of a local market. As demand grew, she secured a deal with a supply chain store in Thika town and several wholesale traders.

Today, with half an acre of arrowroot across three plots, Gladys earns around Sh600,000 annually, with each plantation fetching approximately Sh200,000 per year. To meet growing demand, she now employs a farm manager and 20 casual laborers, particularly during the weeding and harvesting seasons.

Growing Arrowroots: Tips for Success

Arrowroot farming is straightforward yet rewarding:

• Dig holes 6–10 inches deep, depending on the stem size.

• Avoid overfilling soil; the crop grows upwards and needs regular manure and water.

• Mature arrowroots are ready in six months, but larger tubers can take 8–10 months.

• Regular weeding is essential to prevent nutrient competition.

Joseph Mureithi, Principal at Waruhiu Agricultural Development Centre in Githunguri, emphasizes that arrowroot farming is a viable and profitable venture. “Arrowroots are becoming a staple breakfast for many Kenyans. The crop requires minimal inputs and care, making production costs low,” he says.

Unlike popular belief, arrowroots don’t need to grow along riverbanks; they can thrive through moisture farming.

Organic Farming and Expansion Plans

Gladys prioritizes organic methods, using manure from her cows, goats, and chickens instead of chemical fertilizers. Encouraged by the returns, she plans to expand her farm beyond an acre, targeting annual revenues of Sh1.5 million.

Health Benefits of Arrowroots

Arrowroots aren’t just profitable, they’re highly nutritious and medicinal:

• Treat poisoned wounds, gangrene, and toothaches.

• Aid digestion, relieve nausea, and replenish nutrients lost through vomiting or diarrhea.

• Useful in baby foods and diets for the sick or elderly.

• Low in calories, high in protein, and rich in potassium, supporting heart health and blood pressure regulation.

• Arrowroot powder can be used in cookies, biscuits, crackers, and even as a skin-care aid.

A Crop with Promise

Gladys’ story shows that with minimal effort, smart marketing, and dedication, arrowroot farming can transform land into a source of substantial income. For those looking for a low-cost, high-reward agricultural venture, arrowroots might just be the answer.