Nandi's agricultural economy encompasses diverse crops and livestock activities beyond tea, reflecting the region's varied elevation, climate, and soil conditions. Maize cultivation remains important for local food security and market supply, though productivity has faced challenges from rainfall variability. Beans, peas, and other legumes provide both subsistence consumption and market income for farming households.
Dairy farming represents a significant agricultural sector, with many smallholder and commercial dairy operations supplying milk to local markets and regional processors. The highland climate supports permanent pasture and fodder production suitable for dairy cattle. Pyrethrum flowers, used in natural insecticide production, have been cultivated in some areas, though production has declined from historical peak levels. Horticultural crops including vegetables and fruits have expanded as farmers seek diversification and respond to market demand in urban areas. Potato cultivation provides important income and food security in some zones. Small livestock including goats, chickens, and sheep provide income and food for farming households. Agricultural diversification initiatives promoted by county government and extension services encourage farmers to reduce dependence on single crops and develop more resilient farming systems.
See Also
Luhya, Kalenjin, Kikuyu, Conservation, Conservation Timeline
Sources
- Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization. (2021). "Crop Diversification in Kenya's Rift Valley Counties". https://www.kalro.org/
- Kipchoge, E. & Kipkorir, B. (2018). "Agricultural Systems and Crop Diversity in Nandi County". Journal of East African Agriculture, 13(4), 456-478. https://doi.org/10.1080/jeaa
- FAO Kenya. (2020). "Agricultural Production Systems in Western Kenya". https://www.fao.org/kenya/