Growing Cassava in Kakamega
Soil suitability analysis based on Kakamega's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Kakamega is moderately suited to Cassava. Kakamega's soil (pH 5.63, slightly acidic) gives Cassava a suitability score of 70/100. Match fertilizer to Kakamega's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kakamega County is a solid choice for Cassava, with a soil-match score of 70/100. Local soils average pH 5.63 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 4.5–7 band Cassava prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is potassium — measured at N 1.01 g/kg, P 14 mg/kg, K 147 mg/kg against this crop's low/low/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. Cassava prefers sandy soils, while Kakamega is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Cassava is the #32 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kakamega County. Cassava's full potential is about 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 90,000/acre at KES 15/kg), but at Kakamega's 70/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 5,250 kg/acre (~KES 78,750/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kakamega soil | Cassava needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.63 | 4.5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.01 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 14 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 147 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,900 mm | 500–1,500 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 0–1,400 m | High |
Planting calendar for Kakamega
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· August–October
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Kakamega's nitrogen reads 1.01 g/kg, but the rate stays at zero: Cassava is not top-dressed, for the crop-specific reason above.
Seed varieties for Kakamega
Varieties suited to Kakamega's 1,500 m altitude and 1,900 mm annual rainfall — 1 of 2 cassava varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag