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. At current prices (about KES 15/kg) and a typical 4,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Cassava crop here can gross roughly KES 60,000 per acre.