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Sorghum Farming in Kenya: A Guide to Cultivation and Market Opportunities

Sorghum is a versatile and drought-resistant crop widely grown in Kenya. Known for its adaptability to dry regions, sorghum serves both as a food crop and as fodder for livestock. It is an essential ingredient in baking, making flour, and brewing beer, contributing significantly to food security and the economy.


Key Sorghum Growing Areas in Kenya

Sorghum thrives in arid and semi-arid regions and is predominantly grown in:

  • Central Region
  • Western Kenya
  • North Rift
  • Eastern Kenya

Popular Sorghum Varieties in Kenya

Farmers in Kenya cultivate several sorghum varieties, including:

  • Seredo
  • Mtama 1
  • Mtama 2
  • Gadam
  • Serena
  • E6518
  • IS76
  • BJ28
  • E1291

Nutritional Benefits of Sorghum

Sorghum is a nutrient-dense crop with several health benefits:

  1. Rich in Fiber: Aids digestion and promotes gut health.
  2. Minerals: Contains magnesium, essential for bone formation and energy production.
  3. Vitamin B: Supports metabolism and overall health.

Ecological Requirements for Growing Sorghum

Sorghum thrives under the following conditions:

  • Soil: Well-drained and fertile soil.
  • Temperature: Between 15-35°C.
  • Rainfall: Annual range of 400-650mm.
  • Altitude: Best suited for areas below 1,500m above sea level.

Planting Sorghum

  1. Propagation:
    • Sorghum is propagated by seeds.
    • Seeds are sown directly into furrows with a row spacing of 45-60cm.
  2. Intercropping:
    • Sorghum can be intercropped with legumes like cowpeas and beans or with maize.
  3. Fertilizer Application:
    • Apply fertilizers such as DAP, CAN, or NPK during planting.
    • Use foliar fertilizers like Optimizer or Lavender for enhanced growth.
  4. Weed Control:
    • Regular weeding is necessary. Herbicides or manual weeding methods can be used.

Harvesting Sorghum

  • Maturity:
    • Sorghum matures in 3-4 months, though this varies by variety and ecological conditions.
  • Harvesting Process:
    • Harvest by cutting off the heads using a knife or similar tools.

Market Opportunities for Sorghum in Kenya

Sorghum has a vast market in Kenya, with applications in food processing, brewing, and livestock feed.

  1. Local Market:
    • A 90kg bag of sorghum fetches approximately Ksh 3,500-5,000 in local markets.
  2. Corporate Buyers:
    • Major companies purchasing sorghum include:
      • East African Breweries Limited (EABL)
      • Unga Limited
      • Kenya Industrial Research & Development Institute
  3. Institutional Buyers:
    • Schools, NGOs, and other institutions.

Sorghum farming in Kenya is a sustainable and profitable venture, especially for farmers in dry regions. With proper management and access to established markets, sorghum can provide a steady income while contributing to food security and economic development.

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