Fresh hope for pastoralists as residents adopt potato farming
Vendors display potatoes for sale at the roadside. More pastoral communities especially in Trans-Mara and Narok are increasingly embracing the crop's cultivation to boost their income. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Lately, potatoes have become the crop of choice for the Maasais in Trans Mara, Narok County.
- The bags go for at least Sh2,000 each at the Kilgoris market.
- Project manager Heekyung Yoon said they started the venture in March and so far, they are working with over 1,360 farmers.
An increasing number of Maasais are dropping cattle in favour of crop farming.
And lately, potatoes are the crops of choice for the Maasais in Trans Mara, Narok County.
Daniel Kirionki, 70, a resident of Munke village, is among those growing potatoes.
“For over 60 years, I have been a pastoralist but I am now tired of the life,” he said. Kirionki was introduced to potatoes by neighbour Simon Mokire.
“Here, we plant Tigoni and Asante potato varieties. We get our seeds from Molo Agricultural Development Corporation,” said Mokire.
“It only takes us three months before we harvest. Last season, I got more than Sh80,000 from my half-acre,” he added. Agriculture extension officers say farmers harvest 40 110kg bags from half-acre making the venture profitable.
The bags go for at least Sh2,000 each at the Kilgoris market, where Kirionki sells but in Kisii market, the price is Sh2,500.
The Korean government through Korea International Cooperation Agency is helping promote the crop.
Project manager Heekyung Yoon said they started the venture in March and so far, they are working with over 1,360 farmers, aiming at giving residents alternative income.
