Growing Cassava in Nairobi

Soil suitability analysis based on Nairobi's nutrient profile

Cassava can be grown in Nairobi County, but the soil scores 52/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. Local soils average pH 6.85 — neutral and inside the 4.5–7 band Cassava prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.1 g/kg), phosphorus (22.1 mg/kg) and potassium (236 mg/kg) all meet Cassava's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Cassava prefers sandy soils, while Nairobi is largely clay loam, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. At 1700 m, the county sits above Cassava's preferred altitude ceiling of 1400 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. Cassava's full potential is about 6,000 kg/acre (~KES 90,000/acre at KES 15/kg), but at Nairobi's 52/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 3,900 kg/acre (~KES 58,500/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.