-Horticulture farming in refers to an intensive cultivation of vegetables, fruits and flowers for sale.
-Market gardening is an intensive cultivation of vegetables and fruits for sale in the nearest urban centre.
-Market gardening is an intensive cultivation of vegetables and fruits for sale in the nearest urban centre.
Features of Horticulture Farming in Kenya
1.The activity is scientifically oriented as advanced methods of crop production are employed, e.g. use of high yielding seeds, regular spraying to control pests and diseases and heavy application of fertilizers.
2.The practice is capital intensive. Therefore a lot of farm inputs are required. However it is also labour intensive considering that much of the farm work is done using human labour.
3.In order to maximize on the produce, land is intensively used. This is mainly because horticulture is practiced in areas with land scarcity, hence farm sizes are small.
4.It is mainly practiced close to the urban centres this is because most of the products are perishable hence the need for production close to the markets.
5.Due to the perishability of the products, it mainly involves quick and expensive modes of transport e. g., the aeroplanes.
6.The activity is export oriented, in that most of the products are grown for export, due to their increasing demand.
The following are conditions favoring horticultural farming in Kenya:
1.Climate - The hot and wet climate favors the growth of tropical crops, while the cool and wet conditions prevailing in Kenya Highlands favors the growth of temperate crops like plums, pears, apples and grapes.
2.Soil - The fertile soils of volcanic origin favor growth of a variety of crops. This fertility is sustained by the liberal application of fertilizers.
3.Market - The high demand for the products both locally and internationally has led to the rapid development of the industry.
4.Capital - Investment by large companies has led to the development of horticulture especially growing of fruits and vegetables.
5.Marketing systems - The farmers operate under well organized marketing systems managed by Horticultural Co-operative Union and Horticultural Development Authority (HCDA). HCDA helps the farmers to export their products.
6.Transport - Most growing areas are accessible to the markets through roads and air transport.
7.Government policy - The Government through its export promotion drive is encouraging the diversification of export crops with a view to broadening the country’s export base.
Types of Crops Grown
1.Vegetables - There are five types of vegetables namely;
1.Vegetables - There are five types of vegetables namely;
-The starchy tubers -These are vegetables which have stems which swell and ripen underground e.g. cassava, yams and sweet potatoes. They are mainly for local consumption.
-The root crops - These are types of vegetables which store food in swollen roots, for example, carrots, turnips, parsnips, beet and swedes.
-Pulses - These are leguminous vegetables which include plants such as peas, beans, lentils, soya beans and groundnuts.
-Green vegetables - These include cabbages, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, green grams, spinach, spruce, kales (sukuma wiki), strawberries and brassicas.
-Miscellaneous vegetables - These include onions, tomatoes, chillies and mushrooms.
Major vegetables grown in the horticultural farms in Kenya are divided into two categories, namely the Asian vegetables and European vegetables.
Other vegetables which are exported include: Turia, Gwar (winged beans), Papri, Tindori, and Siragwa. The European vegetables which are exported from Kenya include French beans, cauliflower and several cabbage families.
Other vegetables which are exported include: Turia, Gwar (winged beans), Papri, Tindori, and Siragwa. The European vegetables which are exported from Kenya include French beans, cauliflower and several cabbage families.
2.Fruits - Most of the fruits grown in Kenya are for local consumption. A few are exported. Generally fruits grown in Kenya include:
-Citrus fruits - Grapes, oranges, lemons and tangerines.
-Deciduous fruits - Apples, pears, peaches, plums and apricots. They are also called temperate fruits.
-Tropical fruits - Bananas, loquat, dates, pawpaws, pineapple and avocados.
3.Flowers - The flowers grown in Kenya include roses, orchids, carnations and gladioli.
-Floriculture (growing of flowers) is concentrated in Central, Eastern and parts of Rift Valley Provinces.
-The major growing areas are Limuru, Naivasha, parts of Embu, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Nyeri, and Kericho Districts.
-Floriculture (growing of flowers) is concentrated in Central, Eastern and parts of Rift Valley Provinces.
-The major growing areas are Limuru, Naivasha, parts of Embu, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Nyeri, and Kericho Districts.
How Horticulture has contributed to Kenya’s economy:
1.It is a foreign exchange earner.
2.It is a major source of employment.
3.It has led to the expansion and development of transport infrastructure.
4.It has ensured the effective use of land, for example, swampy areas in Central Province are being reclaimed for production of vegetables.
5.It is a major source of raw materials for local industries like fruit canning and manufacture of vegetable oils.
6.It has provided a source of income to farmers hence raising their standards of living.
2.It is a major source of employment.
3.It has led to the expansion and development of transport infrastructure.
4.It has ensured the effective use of land, for example, swampy areas in Central Province are being reclaimed for production of vegetables.
5.It is a major source of raw materials for local industries like fruit canning and manufacture of vegetable oils.
6.It has provided a source of income to farmers hence raising their standards of living.
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