GEOGRAPHY AND HISTORY

  It requires a lot of farm inputs e.g. fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides hence needs high capital outlay The farms are smaller in size except for the large scale flower farms in Naivasha Farms are located in areas with good and reliable transport infrastructure since horticultural products are highly perishable Advanced scientific techniques of crop production are applied to ensure high yields RELATED POSTS 9 CONDITIONS FAVOURING IRRIGATION FARMING IN EGYPT 5 CAUSES OF RURAL-RURAL MIGRATION IN KENYA 10 AIMS OF KILOMBERO VALLEY IRRIGATION SCHEME 4 FEATURES OF MAP STATEMENT SCALE 10 ADVANTAGES OF OIL PRODUCTION IN THE MIDDLE EAST 7 DISADVANTAGES OF AIR TRANSPORT 10 PROBLEMS FACING COFFEE FARMING IN KENYA IMPACTS OF POVERTY ON ENVIRONMENT 10 PROBLEMS FACING COTTON FARMING IN UGANDA COMPARISON BETWEEN FISHING IN KENYA AND JAPAN

  The hot and wet climate favours the growth of tropical crops while the cool and wet conditions in the highlands suit temperate crops (plums, pears, apples grapes) The fertile volcanic soils that are well drained and rich in nutrients favour the growth of a variety of crops High population in the rural areas provide labour in the farms and in urban centres that provide ready market. Investment by large companies such as Del-Monte ,Pan African foods, Oserian that provide capital for the horticultural industry. Technical and financial assistance by the German Agricultural team who carry out research, and train farmers. Establishment of Horticultural Cooperative Union and Horticultural Development Authority to help farmers export their products. The government through its export promotion drive is encouraging the diversification of export crops with the aim of broadening the country’s export base. Improvement of road network to enhance accessibility to local and overseas markets. Cul...

  Pests e.g. termites attack setts lowering the farmer's yield. Diseases e.g. sugarcane mosaic which causes the crop to become stunted with leaves becoming yellow. Mismanagement of some sugar factories resulting in their closure and subsequent loss of income and jobs. The inability of some factories to cope with the supply of cane from out-growers due to low production capacity and outdated technology. The local sugar industry faces competition from cheap imported sugar from COMESA countries. Strikes by cane farmers and transporters due to inadequate pay resulting in drop in output. RELATED POSTS 9 CONDITIONS FAVOURING IRRIGATION FARMING IN EGYPT 5 CAUSES OF RURAL-RURAL MIGRATION IN KENYA 10 AIMS OF KILOMBERO VALLEY IRRIGATION SCHEME 4 FEATURES OF MAP STATEMENT SCALE 10 ADVANTAGES OF OIL PRODUCTION IN THE MIDDLE EAST 7 DISADVANTAGES OF AIR TRANSPORT 10 PROBLEMS FACING COFFEE FARMING IN KENYA IMPACTS OF POVERTY ON ENVIRONMENT 10 PROBLEMS FACING COTTON FARMING IN UGANDA COMPARISON B...

  An annual crop of the grass family with a botanical name zea may. Brought by Portuguese traders to the East African coast in the 18th century. Single most extensively grown crop. Main Growing Areas Transnzoia, Nakuru, Bungoma, and Uasin Gishu districts. Conditions Favouring Maize Growing In Kenya Physical Requirements Warm temperatures (above 15◦c). High annual rainfall (635-1145mm) Deep well drained fertile soil with abundant amount of nitrogen. Undulating landscape to allow use of machines. Lower altitudes of about 1800m or below sea level. Human Requirements Abundant labour for preparation of land, sowing, weeding, shelling and packing. A good transport network to enable farmers to transport harvested grain to millers and buying centres. A good and sufficient storage facility for the grain after it has been harvested and before it is sold. Availability of capital to pay for labour, buy inputs and pay for transportation of grain to the market. Cultivation of Maize Holes for pla...