Growing Bambara Nuts in Migori

Soil suitability analysis based on Migori's nutrient profile

Quick answer

Yes, with the right inputs — Migori is moderately suited to Bambara Nuts. Migori's soil (pH 5.43, strongly acidic) gives Bambara Nuts a suitability score of 58/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.

Bambara Nuts can be grown in Migori County, but the soil scores 58/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 5.43 — moderately acidic and inside the 5–6.5 band Bambara Nuts prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.2 g/kg), phosphorus (12.2 mg/kg) and potassium (169 mg/kg) all meet Bambara Nuts's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Bambara Nuts prefers sandy soils, while Migori is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Bambara Nuts is the #68 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Migori County. Bambara Nuts's full potential is about 400 kg/acre (~KES 60,000/acre at KES 150/kg), but at Migori's 58/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 290 kg/acre (~KES 43,500/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

Better matched to Migori's soil: Cassava, Macadamia, and Pineapple — each scores higher on the same soil.

58Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorMigori soilBambara Nuts needsStatus
pH5.4356.5OK
Nitrogen1.2 g/kgmin 0.5 g/kgOK
Phosphorus12.2 mg/kgmin 6 mg/kgOK
Potassium169 mg/kgmin 100 mg/kgOK
Rainfall1,400 mm500–800 mmHigh
Altitude1,300 m0–1,600 mOK

Recommended seed varieties

Local CreamLowland/Medium 0-1600m
Local · 120-150 days · 4-6 bags/acre
Drought resistant; pods develop underground; high protein and soil building.
Local RedLowland/Medium 0-1600m
Local · 130-160 days · 3-5 bags/acre
Highly nutritious; rich in iron; excellent drought tolerance.

Economics

Market priceKES 150/kg
Expected yield in Migori290 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 43,500/acre
Adjusted for Migori's 58/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Bambara Nuts can reach 400 kg/acre (~KES 60,000/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(5,700)
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