Kiambu County’s favourable climate and rich soil make it ideal for high-quality bananas, which act as an economic booster for farmers.
Bananas, commonly known as marigu in Kikuyu, play a vital role in nutrition due to their rich content of vitamins and minerals.
In Kiambu County, bananas thrive particularly well in the sub-counties of Githunguri, Lari, Kiambu, Gatundu North and Gatundu South.
The Agricultural Sector Development Support Programme II (ASDSP) launched a platform aimed at empowering farmers by providing training and innovative equipment to boost yields and improve the quality of banana produce.
This initiative has significantly enhanced food security and livelihoods for farmers, ensuring that they could thrive in the agricultural sector while contributing to the local economy.
In 2021, the Githunguri Modern Banana Growers Apex, which serves as an umbrella body for all banana growers in Kiambu County, came together and registered 15 banana farmers’ groups.
The Chair of Githunguri Banana Growers Apex, Humphrey Njoroge, mentioned that through this Apex, they source certified banana planting materials for farmers, which could yield up to 60 kg or more per plant.
Njoroge added that when the certified bananas are sold, they fetch between Sh800 and Sh1000, translating to about Sh20 per kilogramme, up from Sh16.
“Traditional bananas were less profitable as compared to the certified ones, which are from JKUAT and KALRO and these groups benefit from transitioning from traditional bananas to certified ones,” says Njoroge.
Before the ASDSP II intervention, farmers faced challenges in accessing quality materials and lacked knowledge of proper banana husbandry.
The programme through Agricultural Extension Officers, provided training in banana cultivation, pest and disease management and harvest handling.
The Secretary of Githunguri Banana Growers Apex, Esther Wariara, said that the training has been of great help to them and the farmers in matters of group dynamics, leadership and record keeping. She also says that the certified banana planting materials they were supported with were of great use.
“Next year, people will no longer go to Meru to acquire bananas but they will source them from us,” says Wariaira.
Julius Wanjeri, a farmer and a banana vendor, says that his banana business has helped him improve his livelihood, enabling him to pay fees for his three children, hence bringing peace to his home.
Wanjeri explained to KNA that he stores his bananas in a cool, dry place to prevent them from ripening too quickly, adding that he often uses wooden crates or baskets to keep the bananas off the ground, allowing for proper air circulation.
“Proper storage is key to maintaining their quality and ensuring they stay appealing for your customers,” says Wanjeri.
Bananas are an excellent source of potassium, which is essential for heart health and maintaining proper muscle function.
Additionally, bananas are high in dietary fibre, promoting healthy digestion and helping to regulate blood sugar levels. Their natural sugars provide a quick energy boost, making them a popular choice for athletes and active individuals.
In 2020, the harvested area and production in the world were 5.2035 million hectares and 119.8337 million, respectively, which increased by 24.58% and 72.57%, respectively, compared with that in 2002.
By Magdaline Thuku