Growing Cassava in Mandera

Soil suitability analysis based on Mandera's nutrient profile

Mandera County is a challenging environment for Cassava (soil-match score 6/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.38 the soil sits above Cassava's preferred 4.5–7 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. Nitrogen (0.53 g/kg), phosphorus (38.3 mg/kg) and potassium (420 mg/kg) all meet Cassava's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Cassava, which favours sandy. Mandera receives approximately 180 mm/year — well below Cassava's minimum of 500 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Cassava is the #24 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Mandera County. Cassava's full potential is about 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 90,000/acre at KES 15/kg), but at Mandera's 6/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 450 kg/acre (~KES 6,750/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

Better matched to Mandera's soil: Sisal, Aloe Vera, and Green Grams — each scores higher on the same soil.