Tomato Farming in Kenya: A Complete Guide(Profit Per Acre Discussed and PDF Guide Included)

Introduction to Tomato Farming in Kenya

Tomato farming in Kenya supplies a crop that is amongst the most consumed vegetable and its importance in the culture and economy of Kenya is immeasurable. Kenya grows over 400,000 tons of tomatoes annually. Small farmers produce 80% of this. The population increase and urbanization are raising the demand for tomatoes. This indicates that there is profitability in tomato farming among both small and large-scale farmers. This guide will provide all that one needs to know about tomato Farming in Kenya.

This guide covers;

1. Overview of the Tomato Market in Kenya
2. Common tomato varieties that do best under Kenyan conditions
3. Optimal climate and soil conditions for tomato growing
4. How to start a tomato farming business on a step-by-step basis
5. How the crop should be managed, including dealing with pests and diseases
6. Techniques of harvesting crops and the ways the harvested crops are handled
7. What Kenyan tomato farmers face as problems and prospects for solutions
8. Investments available in tomato farming
9. Tomato farming in Kenya: related questions and answers

The Tomato Industry in Kenya

The use of tomatoes is essential within Kenya regardless of its location save for the coast. They are in every meal either consumed at home or in a hotel stiff or through processing. We have large and small-scale tomato farms. Small-scale farmers overwhelmingly supply the internal market, large-scale farms engage in export.

Cities like Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu need high-quality tomatoes all year. This demand creates steady opportunities for farmers. Kenya grows over 400,000 tons of tomatoes annually. Small farmers produce 80% of this. Despite challenges, they boost yields with greenhouses and better varieties.

The industry is shifting to value addition and processing. It offers new opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs, and investors.

Popular Tomato Varieties in Kenya

Kenya’s varied climate has created different tomato types. Each match to specific regions and farming methods. These tomatoes fall into two main groups:

1. Determinate varieties: They stop growing after a height. Then, they quickly produce flowers and fruit.
2. Indeterminate varieties: These keep growing, flowering, and fruiting indefinitely.

1. Rio Grande

• Determinate variety
• Best for open-field cultivation
• Elongated pear-shaped, bright red, pulpy fruits
• Potential yield: 84 tonnes per hectare
• Performs best in medium to lower-medium zones
• Ideal for both fresh consumption and processing

2. Cal J

• Semi-determinate variety
• Suitable for open field cultivation
• Very firm, elongated-oval fruits
• Long harvest period and shelf life (up to 21 days)
• Resistant to Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV), Tomato Mosaic Virus (TMV), Verticillium wilt, Fusarium wilt, and nematodes

3. Kilele F1

• Determinate, non-staking variety
• Early maturity
• Firm, oval-round fruits with deep red color when fully ripe
• Yield potential: 45 tonnes per hectare
• Fruits have a shelf life of up to 21 days

4. Onyx F1

• Determinate, non-staking variety
• Deep red, blocky oval to round in shape and firm fruits
• Yield potential: 70 tonnes per hectare
• Shelf life of up to 21 days
• Matures in 70 days from transplanting

5. Rocky F1

• Oval-shaped firm fruits
• Widely adaptable, grows well at the Coast
• Excellent taste for stews and kachumbari
• Premium product
• Yield potential: 74-85 tonnes per hectare

6. New Fortune Maker 1

• Determinate variety
• Matures 75 days after transplanting
• Average fruit weight: 130-150 grams
• Yield potential: 74 tonnes per hectare
• Strong plant with good cover
• Firm fruits with very good shelf life (21 days)
• Resistant to TYLCV, Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV), bacterial speck, Verticillium wilt, and Fusarium wilt

7. Money Maker

• Indeterminate variety
• Oval-shaped fruits
• Suitable for fresh market

8. Faulu F1

• Determinate variety
• Fruit weight: 85-95 grams
• Oval-shaped uniform fruits with excellent setting
• Very firm fruits with good shelf life
• Performs well under high temperatures
• Resistant to Verticillium and Fusarium wilt
• Yield potential: 40 tonnes per hectare

9. Rambo F1

• Oval shape, determinate variety
• Disease resistant
• Matures in 75 days
• Yield potential: 74 tonnes per hectare

10. Big-Rock F1

• Semi-determinate variety
• Early maturing with very firm fruits
• Attractive oval shape
• Suitable for early fresh harvest
• Yield potential: 74 tonnes per hectare

11. DRD8551 F1

• Tall semi-determinate variety
• High-quality fruits with long shelf-life
• Ideal for cold and wet areas
• Resistant to TYLCV
• Matures in 80-90 days
• Deep red and large shiny fruits with smooth shoulders
• High yield potential
• Can be harvested over a long period

Climatic and Soil Requirements for Tomato Farming

Tomatoes grow best in:

• 20-30°C temperatures
• 600-1200 mm yearly rainfall with consistent moisture
• Full sun
• Areas below 2000 meters altitude
• Wind-protected areas or greenhouses

Tomatoes thrive in:

• Well-drained, loamy soils rich in organic matter
• Soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8
• At least 30-40 cm soil depth
• Soil with added compost or manure
• Well-drained soil with raised beds if needed
• Balanced nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium nutrients

 Steps to Establish a Tomato Farm

1. Site Selection

Select a tomato plantation site that is not overly shaded and is shielded from strong winds. Make sure that there is a sustainable water supply for irrigation in the selected site. Take into account where the farm will be situated regarding the markets in order to minimize costs and time involved in transportation.

2. Soil Testing and Preparation

First, test the soil for pH and nutrients. Adjust pH using lime or sulfur as needed. Next, plow the soil to a depth of 20-30cm for better aeration and drainage. If drainage is an issue, especially in waterlogged areas, create raised beds.

3. Seed Selection and Nursery Management

Choose the best high-quality certified seeds for those that are pest-resistant and high yielding from reliable sources. Select the types that are applicable for your climatic conditions and local market (either for fresh or processed). In order to raise plants from seeds it is deeply placed in a nursery bed or mobile trays filled with a sterile medium. Planting is done and the nursery is maintained for about three to four weeks with watering and pest protection.

4. Land Preparation for Transplanting

Remove all the weeds and crop residues from the field. Well-decomposed animal dung or compost should be applied (at the rate of about 20-30 tons per hectare) and planted into the soil. Make planting rows or beds at a distance of 1-1.5 meters apart.

5. Fertilization

At the time of planting, a balanced fertilizer is recommended. Such fertilizer should be enriched on phosphorus and potassium. This will enhance the root system development and fruiting.

Additionally, top-dressing or follow-up with nitrogenous fertilizers or farmyard manure during the vegetative growth than the flowering phase. Optional, micronutrient foliar feeding is introduced to supply any nutrient deficiency.

6. Irrigation System Setup

Install a drip irrigation system to achieve water efficiency and also avoid wetting leaves.

If drip irrigation is not an option, shallow furrows can be made to carry out flood irrigation and provision for suitable drainage should be made.

7. Staking and Trellising

Immediately after transplanting, stakes or trellises should be provided so as to keep the plants at all times as they grow.

• Indeterminate varietals shall use vertical trellis systems or Florida weave systems.
• Determinate varietals shall use individual plant stakes or cage systems.

8. Mulching

Organic straw or dried grass mulch should be applied around the plants. It will save water, prevent the growth of weeds and help in controlling temperature of the soil.

9. Pest and Disease Management Setup

Using cultural practice such as crop rotation and spatial arrangement of crops as precautions should also be put forward.

• Pheromone traps should be put in place to monitor the population of pests.
• Be ready for pest and disease scouting.

9. Record Keeping System

Keep a record of the dates for planting, fertilizer applications, pest control, and harvesting. This information will be valuable for future planning and improving your farming practices.

10. Planning for Harvest and Post-Harvest Handling:

• Prepare clean crates or boxes for harvesting.
• Set up a sorting and grading area with shade to maintain fruit quality post-harvest.
• Arrange for transportation or storage facilities if not selling immediately after harvest.

Tomato Crop Management: Pest and Disease Control

A. Common Tomato Pests in Kenya

1. Tomato Leaf Miner (Tuta absoluta)

They are known to bore into leaves, stems, and fruits causing substantial damage.

Control:

• Employ pheromone traps for monitoring and mass trapping.
• Use biological controls, such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or neem-based products.
• Rotate crops with non-brassica species and practice good field sanitation.
• If needed, use an approved insecticide as a last alternative.

2. Aphids

Symptoms — Bunching of small pests on leaves and stem, leading to leaf rolling; growth gets stunted.

Control:

• This allows for natural predation of insects such as ladybug and lacewing, which feast on the aphids.
• For lighter infestations, try insecticidal soaps or neem oil.
• Severe cases may require spraying systemic insecticides.

3. Whiteflies

Tiny white insects on the undersides of leaves, resulting in yellowing and stunted growth. symptoms

Control:

• Employ yellow sticky traps to monitor/count.
• Insecticidal soaps or neem oil can be used.
• For severe infestations, consider utilizing systemic insecticides that are not restricted.

4. Spider Mites

Tiny mottled leaves causing stippling and yellowing.

Control:

• mist and raise humidity.
• Use miticides or horticultural oils.
• Remove and dispose of heavily infested plant parts.

B. Common Tomato Diseases in Kenya

1. Early Blight (Alternaria solani) and Late Blight (Phytophthora infestans)

Symptoms:

Early Blight: It causes dark spots with rings on leaves, stems, and fruits. Older leaves are the first to be affected.

Late Blight: This starts as water-soaked spots on leaves, turning them brown quickly. In humid conditions, white fuzzy growth can appear on the undersides. Fruits then develop large brown lesions.

Control:

• Rotate crops for 2-3 years, avoiding solanaceous plants.
• Use copper-based or approved fungicides early, especially in humid weather.
• Enhance air flow with proper spacing and pruning.
• Dispose of infected plants and debris.
• Choose resistant varieties if available.

2. Bacterial Wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum)

Symptoms: The plant wilts suddenly, even with enough soil moisture. Cutting the stem shows brown discoloration inside.

Control:

• Choose resistant varieties, like Rio Grande.
• Rotate crops with non-hosts for 3-4 years.
• Avoid fields with a history of bacterial wilt.
• Ensure good drainage and don’t over-water.
• Disinfect tools to prevent spread.

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3. Fusarium Wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici)

Symptoms: Yellowing of lower leaves, often on one side of the plant. Wilting progresses upward, and internal vascular tissue turns brown.

Control:

• Use resistant varieties (look for “F” in variety descriptions).
• Practice crop rotation with non-host crops for 5-7 years.
• Maintain soil pH between 6.5-7.0.
• Solarize soil in severely infested fields.
• Use disease-free transplants and avoid root injury during cultivation.

4. Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV)

Symptoms: Leaves curl, turn yellow at edges, and shrink. Plants are stunted and yield less fruit.

Control:

• Choose resistant varieties, especially many F1 hybrids
• Manage whitefly populations, as they spread the virus.
• Use reflective mulches to keep whiteflies away.
• Quickly remove and destroy infected plants
• Keep the area around the field free of weeds.

5. Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV)

Symptoms: Leaves with brown spots, stems with streaks, and fruits with circles. Plants may be small.

Control:

• Choose resistant plants.
• Manage thrips, the virus carriers.
• Remove weeds that attract thrips and the virus.
• Use reflective mulches to keep thrips away.
• Avoid planting near infected ornamental plants.

6. Powdery Mildew (Leveillula taurica or Oidium neolycopersici)

Symptoms: White, powdery spots on older leaves. Severe cases cause yellowing and leaf drop.

Control:

• Ensure good air flow by spacing and pruning.
• Use sulfur or approved fungicides at first signs.
• Destroy infected plants.
• Choose resistant varieties.

7. Root-Knot Nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.)

Symptoms: Stunted growth, yellow leaves, and wilting in heat. Roots have galls or knots.

Control:

• Choose resistant varieties (look for “N”).
• Rotate crops with non-hosts like maize or sorghum.
• Add organic matter to boost helpful microorganisms.
• Solarize soil in badly infested areas.
• Use nematode-free plants.

Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPM) Strategies

1. Cultural Practices: Rotate crops, remove debris, use healthy seeds, and space plants for air.
2. Biological Control: Attract natural predators, use biopesticides, and introduce helpful insects.
3. Chemical Control: Apply pesticides only when needed, rotate them, and follow instructions.
4. Monitoring and Early Detection: Check fields often and record pest and disease data.
5. Resistant Varieties: Select plants resistant to local pests and diseases.

Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handlin

Tomatoes will be ready to harvest 75 to 90 days from transplant. For local markets, pick when fully ripe; for shipping go to the breaker stage. Carefully hand-pick in the cool of the day and select clean containers for gathering.

Pluck every 3-4 days for indeterminate varieties and more often for determinate varieties.

Sorting and grading fruits by size, color, and ripeness is essential. Discard any overripe or damaged fruits. Clean gently, avoiding water. Package in dry, ventilated containers with linings.

Store ripe tomatoes at 10-15°C with humidity. Keep mature green tomatoes at 13-21°C to slow ripening. Avoid temperatures below 10°C. Transport them in cool, well-ventilated conditions. If you can’t eat the tomatoes soon, consider making sauce or drying them to reduce waste.

Challenges Facing Tomato Farmers in Kenya

1. Pests and diseases, which raise production costs.
2. High expenses for seeds, fertilizers, and labor.
3. Climate change, which harms yields and increases disease risk.
4. Unpredictable market prices and limited access to credit.
5. Post-harvest losses due to poor storage and transportation.
6. Limited access to modern farming technologies and information.
7. Water scarcity, which affects irrigation.
8. Land issues, including fragmentation and soil degradation.
9. Limited cold storage facilities, which forces farmers to sell at low prices.
10. Competition from imported tomatoes, which depresses local prices.

Opportunities in Tomato Farming in Kenya

1. Growing demand comes from urbanization, middle-class growth, and export opportunities.
2. Greenhouse farming increases yields and protects crops from pests and diseases.
3. Value addition through processing can reduce losses and increase profits.
4. Adopting modern technologies like precision agriculture and drip irrigation can improve yields.
5. Contract farming provides guaranteed markets and stable prices.
6. Organic and specialty tomato production can fetch higher prices.
7. Joining farmer cooperatives can help smallholders access better prices.
8. Training and capacity building programs are available to improve productivity.
9. Innovative financing models and input financing schemes can help farmers access capital.
10. Climate-smart agriculture practices can help farmers adapt to changing conditions.

Conclusion

Tomato farming in Kenya faces challenges but also has great potential. It deals with pests, climate changes, and market shifts. Yet, there are opportunities for growth and innovation.

Key takeaways for aspiring and current tomato farmers:

1. Greenhouse farming and precision agriculture techniques offer paths to increased yields and quality.
2. Processing tomatoes into various products can open new markets and reduce post-harvest losses.
3. Farmer cooperatives provide strength in numbers, improving bargaining power and resource sharing.
4. Staying informed about best practices and market trends is crucial for success.
5. Implementing climate-smart agriculture techniques can ensure long-term sustainability.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Read Also

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