Nduma Nation: Why Smart Farmers Are Betting Big on Arrowroots

 

Some rice farmers among others are forsaking rice and traditional crops in favor of a small tuber that is quickly becoming a source of profit and sustainability in Kenya's heartlands. The revolution is taking place in the backdrop. Arrowroots, known locally as "nduma," have long been a staple of Kenyan meals. However, in the present day, they are developing as a sensible agribusiness venture, providing a consistent source of money for farmers wanting to realize their full potential.

Why Arrowroots

Arrowroots are high in digestible starch, dietary fiber, vitamins B and C, iron, calcium, and potassium, all of which are vital for human health. Because they are gluten-free, they are a fantastic choice for anyone who have dietary restrictions or prefer to eat clean.

However, maybe the most important advantage is that arrowroots are adaptive. They can be cooked, roasted, mashed, or ground into flour. This diversity of consumption ensures that demand remains high across the board, from rural food markets to high-end supermarkets and health-conscious metropolitan residents.

Potted arrowroots in your backyard

Money math

For many years, a large number of farmers in Kisii, Kirinyaga, Murang'a, and certain parts of Western Kenya relied on water-intensive crops such as rice or perishable vegetables. However, because climate change is altering rainfall patterns and water resources are becoming increasingly scarce, there is an urgent need to develop crops that need less labor and are more water efficient.

Arrowroot farming fills this void. Its durability, low maintenance requirements, and ever-increasing client demand have made it incredibly appealing. Farmers in Kirinyaga County, for example, can earn between KSh 45,000 and 75,000 per month from a relatively small arrowroot crop. This root crop is no longer a subsistence crop, but rather a strategic move for agribusiness, as proven by the fact that certain Kisii residents now earn more than KSh 600,000 per year from a few lines of arrowroot.

The ideal conditions for the production of arrowroot in Kenya

Arrowroots were historically more widespread in wetland and riverine habitats than elsewhere. However, as agricultural technology has advanced, new opportunities have emerged. Farmers may now grow arrowroots successfully in highland areas thanks to the building of moisture-retention beds lined with polythene. Arrowroots do not need to be close to natural water sources to thrive because these "artificial swamps" provide the required moisture on a regular basis.

The crop performs best when planted in warm, humid circumstances with temperatures ranging from 21 to 30 degrees Celsius. The soil should be rich, loamy, and well-drained, with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. It is critical to maintain correct moisture control because, while arrowroots are a water-loving plant, tuber rot can be induced by stagnant or completely inundated water.

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Kenyan arrowroot varieties

There are various types of arrowroots grown in the area, and selecting the right variety can have a big impact on the output.

• The Japanese Arrowroot, commonly known as Taro, grows in around five to six months and is good for areas with limited space but easy access to water.
• Dasheen is a plant notable for its large tubers and ability to thrive in highland conditions.
• Eddoe takes around nine to eleven months to mature, and it is generally grown in swamps.
• Burundian Arrowroot is a vigorous variation that can mature in as little as five months and adapts well to a variety of climatic conditions.

Each variety has its own set of advantages, and farmers are strongly urged to experiment with several different sorts to see which ones are most effective in their specific agroecological zone.

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Growing Arrowroots

1. Land preparation

Your first step should be to find an area with a steady supply of water. Raised beds or trenches, lined with polythene sheeting to retain moisture, are required for farming in upland areas. To enrich the soil, spread a layer of well-rotted compost or manure.

2) The act of planting

Suckers collected from mature plants are used to propagate arrowroot. Dig holes about 30 centimeters deep and wide, then plant three to four suckers in each one. To allow for weeding and maintenance, the holes should be spaced about 30 centimeters apart in one-meter rows.

3. Watering and Moisture Management

Moisture is everything. Water the plant regularly during the first one to two months. If you use artificial beds, ensure sure the water level remains just below the surface. To keep the tubers from rotting, water should not be stagnant. Drip irrigation systems have the potential to be extremely beneficial for upland farming management.

4. Manure/fertilizer application

Before planting, make sure to integrate organic matter into the soil, particularly farmyard manure. Every few months, top-dress the soil with more compost. Arrowroots' high potassium and phosphorus content promotes the growth of large, robust tubers. In organic farming systems, the use of plant tea-based foliar sprays can increase nutrient uptake. Ndumas are not the biggest fans of synthetic fertilizers, it is the best crop that you can go fully organic on.

5. Weed and Pest Control

Arrowroots are relatively hardy, however they benefit from regular weeding. Aphids and cutworms are two pests that could provide a risk in the early stages of the disease. Sustainable control can be achieved by using organic pesticides based on neem or introducing natural predators such as ladybirds.

6. Harvesting

Arrowroots mature about five to eight months, depending on the kind. When the leaves turn yellow and dry out, you know it's time to harvest. To avoid damaging the tubers, carefully remove the earth with a fork before harvesting.

Marketing Following Harvest

Following collection, arrowroots must be cleaned and separated. The roots appropriate for sale are free of rot and defects. Using clean, permeable bags for packaging helps to prevent moisture gathering during shipping.

Many farmers now sell their food straight to supermarkets, open-air markets in cities, and even export brokers. Others improve the value of their harvest by processing it into nduma, which is pre-boiled and vacuum-packed before being sold in high-end grocery stores. The addition of value can raise returns per kilogram by a factor of two or three.

How profitable is the economy?

I will give you a small example. It is possible to plant approximately 2,000 suckers on an eighth-acre land. Assuming that each sucker produces one marketable tuber and that the average market price for each piece ranges between KSh 40 and KSh 80 (depending on size and season), you have the potential to earn KSh 80,000 to 160,000 per harvest, which is typically done twice per year.

The primary expenses will be for soil preparation, suckers, manure, labor, and water. Despite having to pay fees, farmers often earn between KSh 30,000 and KSh 100,000 per eighth-acre plot, depending on the size of their plot and how effectively they produce.

Opportunities and challenges

Arrowroot farming, like farming any other crop, presents problems. Land preparation, particularly the creation of polythene-lined beds, may necessitate a large investment of capital. It is probable that smallholder farmers who do not receive assistance would be unable to finance the initial setup costs for irrigation systems in areas where water is scarce or unpredictable.

Furthermore, there is a knowledge gap: many farmers believe that arrowroots can only be found growing in marshes. Extension programs and farmer-to-farmer training are especially vital in shifting this narrative and spreading contemporary farming techniques.

Adequate moisture is the only necessity. 

On the plus side, the crop is highly pest-resistant, and once established, it takes minimal maintenance. When the proper procedures are followed and a reliable market channel is used, profitability is almost guaranteed.

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The future of arrowroot cultivation looks good

Arrowroots has the potential to become a major participant in Kenya's agricultural economy as more people become aware of the importance of healthy eating and the need for food security grows. The boundaries of what is possible with this traditional tuber are already being stretched by advancements in irrigation, value addition, and organic farming.

Is there any fruit or vegetable seedling you would wish to purchase? Visit our nurseries in Embu and Naivasha for collection or call us on 0724698357/0723213602 for delivery. We also have a practical farm that has a variety of fruit trees, visit us for benchmarking.  Our email address is info@richfarmkenya.com for any feedback or enquiry.