Problems Facing Horticultural Farming in Kenya
Pests and diseases lower crop yields e.g. aphids, nematodes, birds, worms, rodents (pests); blight, black rot, bacterial wilt Inefficient marketing system that lacks proper organization lead to rotting of produce Stiff competition on the international market by other horticultural producers (Israel, Netherlands). Price fluctuations due to overproduction results to marginal profits. Climatic hazards (frost, hailstones, prolonged drought) that destroy the produce in the farms. High freight charges and production costs that lead to marginal profits (due to hiked costs of farm inputs and airfares). Seasonal floods that make the feeder roads impassable during the rainy season limits accessibility between the farms and collecting centres/leads to delay in delivery of the products. Inadequate refrigeration facilities may lead to reduction in quality of highly perishable produce. RELATED POSTS IMPORTANCE OF SOIL STRUCTURE 7 CHARACTERISTICS OF EQUATORIAL CLIMATE ...