Which county is best for Yams farming in Kenya?

Based on soil and climate suitability analysis, the top counties for Yams are Vihiga, Bungoma, Kisumu. Scores combine soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium against Yams's nutrient requirements, plus a rainfall and altitude multiplier that penalises counties outside the crop's climate range.

What soil pH does Yams need?

Yams grows best between pH 5.5 and 6.5. Counties whose soils fall outside this range will need lime (if acidic) or sulphur (if alkaline) before planting.

What is the expected yield per acre for Yams in Kenya?

A well-managed Yams crop yields about 7,000 kg/acre. At a market price of approximately KES 80/kg, gross revenue per acre is around KES 560,000.

Best counties to grow Yams in Kenya

All 47 counties ranked by soil and climate suitability for Yams — scored against pH 5.5–6.5 target, medium nitrogen, medium phosphorus, high potassium, plus rainfall (1200–1800 mm) and altitude (0–1800 m) requirements.

Click any county to see the full fertilizer plan, planting calendar, and seed varieties.

Quick answer

The best counties for Yams in Kenya are Vihiga, Bungoma, Kisumu, based on soil and climate suitability. Yams grows best at pH 5.5–6.5; these rank highest across all 47 counties on ShambaIQ's soil scoring.