Growing Cassava in Kwale
Soil suitability analysis based on Kwale's nutrient profile
Kwale County is well suited to Cassava, scoring 77/100 on ShambaIQ's soil-match model. Local soils average pH 6.76 — neutral and inside the 4.5–7 band Cassava prefers, so no lime is usually required. The main gap is potassium — measured at N 0.93 g/kg, P 9.8 mg/kg, K 131 mg/kg against this crop's low/low/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Cassava, which favours sandy. At current prices (about KES 15/kg) and a typical 6,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Cassava crop here can gross roughly KES 90,000 per acre.
Suitability score
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kwale soil | Cassava needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.76 | 4.5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 0.93 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 9.8 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 131 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 900 mm | 500–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 200 m | 0–1,400 m | OK |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Month 1
Stem Cutting Planting
Month 2
Weeding & Pest Monitoring
Month 3
Growth Monitoring
Short Rains
Month 1
Weeding & Mound Formation
Month 2
Pest & Disease Scouting
Month 3
Growth Monitoring
Dry Season
Month 1
Harvesting (12+ months from planting)
Month 2
Processing & Storage
Month 3
Land Preparation for next crop
Top dressing guide
Product
None
Timing
None required
Instruction
Cassava is low-input. Excessive N causes leafy growth at expense of tubers.
Bags per Acre
0
Recommended seed varieties
TajirikaCoastal/Dryland
KALRO · 300-365 days · 4–6 tons/acre
High yielding; tolerant to cassava mosaic disease.
ShibeCoastal/Medium
KALRO · 270-330 days · 3–5 tons/acre
Sweet variety; low cyanide content; good for table use.
Economics
Market priceKES 15/kg
Expected yield in Kwale5,775 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 86,625/acre
Adjusted for Kwale's 77/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Cassava can reach 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 90,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.
Preferred textureSandy
Fertilizer prices
DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag