Growing Cassava in Nairobi
Soil suitability analysis based on Nairobi's nutrient profile
Possible but challenging — Nairobi is only marginally suited to Cassava. Nairobi's soil (pH 6.85, near-neutral) gives Cassava a suitability score of 52/100. Match fertilizer to Nairobi's nitrogen and phosphorus levels for the best result.
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. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Cassava is the #93 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Nairobi County. 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.
Better matched to Nairobi's soil: Dhania, Pumpkin, and Rosemary — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Nairobi soil | Cassava needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.85 | 4.5–7 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.1 g/kg | min 0.5 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 22.1 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 236 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 900 mm | 500–1,500 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,700 m | 0–1,400 m | High |
Planting calendar for Nairobi
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· October–December
Dry Season· January–March
Top dressing guide
Nairobi's nitrogen reads 1.1 g/kg, but the rate stays at zero: Cassava is not top-dressed, for the crop-specific reason above.
Seed varieties for Nairobi
Varieties suited to Nairobi's 1,700 m altitude and 900 mm annual rainfall — 2 of 2 cassava varieties we list.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag