Growing Cowpeas in Mandera

Soil suitability analysis based on Mandera's nutrient profile

Mandera County is a challenging environment for Cowpeas (soil-match score 28/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 8.38 the soil sits above Cowpeas's preferred 5–8 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 Cowpeas's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Cowpeas, which favours sandy. Mandera receives approximately 180 mm/year — well below Cowpeas's minimum of 250 mm — so supplemental irrigation would be essential for this crop. At current prices (about KES 65/kg) and a typical 350 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Cowpeas crop here can gross roughly KES 22,750 per acre.