Production constraints: Challenges facing fruits, herbs business in Kenya

Fruit is very versatile, appropriate for puddings, pies, and jellies, salads, appetizers, eaten as snacks.

Fruits contributed to 52% of the total horticulture value. Murang’a produces 17 % of the total fruits value followed by Lamu (10%) and Meru (9%)in 2023. Other significant producers are Makueni, Kisii, Taita Taveta, Kirinyaga and Kiambu.

Some of the production constraints are high input costs-seeds, fertilizers, fuel, labor. Inadequate extension services-public & private and poor crop husbandry practices by small-scale farmers leading to low productivity.