Growing Sesame (Simsim) in Turkana

Soil suitability analysis based on Turkana's nutrient profile

Sesame (Simsim) can be grown in Turkana County, but the soil scores 56/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 7.95 the soil sits above Sesame (Simsim)'s preferred 5.5–7 range, which can limit uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients. The main gap is nitrogen — measured at N 0.41 g/kg, P 38.5 mg/kg, K 417 mg/kg against this crop's low/low/low demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly sandy soils suit Sesame (Simsim), which favours sandy. At current prices (about KES 350/kg) and a typical 180 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Sesame (Simsim) crop here can gross roughly KES 63,000 per acre.