Growing Sesame (Simsim) in Kisumu
Soil suitability analysis based on Kisumu's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Kisumu is moderately suited to Sesame (Simsim). Kisumu's soil (pH 5.54, slightly acidic) gives Sesame (Simsim) a suitability score of 64/100. Match fertilizer to Kisumu's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
Kisumu County is a solid choice for Sesame (Simsim), with a soil-match score of 64/100. Local soils average pH 5.54 — slightly acidic to near-neutral and inside the 5.5–7 band Sesame (Simsim) prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (0.91 g/kg), phosphorus (12.5 mg/kg) and potassium (166 mg/kg) all meet Sesame (Simsim)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Sesame (Simsim) prefers sandy soils, while Kisumu is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Sesame (Simsim) is the #64 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kisumu County. Sesame (Simsim)'s full potential is about 250 kg/acre (~KES 87,500/acre at KES 350/kg), but at Kisumu's 64/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 200 kg/acre (~KES 70,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kisumu soil | Sesame (Simsim) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.54 | 5.5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.91 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 12.5 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 166 mg/kg | min 100 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,200 mm | 300–800 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,150 m | 0–1,600 m | OK |
Recommended seed varieties
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag