Kenya’s macadamia farmers overcome market hurdles and embrace export growth

Published Nov 6, 2024

Tridge summary

Macadamia farming in Kenya has presented challenges for small-scale farmers due to unregulated markets and exploitation by middlemen. However, the Kenyan government has implemented regulations to ensure quality and prevent the export of immature nuts, leading to better prices for farmers. Direct market access programs have also provided reliable channels for farmers to sell their produce and training on export standards. Despite the high costs of certification, market access programs cover these costs for farmers. The growth in trade with China has been transformative for Kenyan farmers, granting them access to a vast consumer market and increasing their earning potential. The demand for macadamia nuts is on the rise globally, offering significant opportunities for Kenyan farmers to increase their incomes.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

A worker sorts out shelled macadamia nuts in Sagana, Kirinyaga County, Kenya, Oct. 25, 202. (Photo by Chrispinus Omar/Xinhua) For James Kariuki, a macadamia farmer in central Kenya since 1997, cultivating macadamia nuts has been a double-edged sword. While the crop promises high yields and potential income, the journey from harvest to market is fraught with challenges. NAIROBI, Nov.(Xinhua) — For James Kariuki, a macadamia farmer in central Kenya since 1997, cultivating macadamia nuts has been a double-edged sword. While the crop promises high yields and potential income, the journey from harvest to market is fraught with challenges. Kariuki, like many of his peers, remembers how middlemen often dictated prices, exploiting unregulated markets to take advantage of small-scale producers. “Middlemen would wait until the last minute when I was desperate to sell, and then offer prices far below market value,” he told Xinhua during a recent interview at his farm. “They know when you ...

Source: Agrifocusafrica