Want to break into Kenya’s profitable agricultural scene? Arrowroot farming might be your ticket. This nutritious tuber—known locally as “nduma”—has been gaining serious traction among smart farmers looking for crops that deliver solid returns without the headache of constant maintenance.
Whether you’re eyeing a side hustle or planning to go all-in on commercial farming, arrowroot offers a realistic path to agricultural success in Kenya’s diverse growing regions. Let’s dig into everything you need to know to get started.
Why Arrowroot Farming Is Taking Off in Kenya
Arrowroot farming isn’t just another agricultural trend—it’s becoming a reliable income generator for many Kenyan farmers, and for good reason.
Unlike rice and other demanding crops, arrowroot gives you more breathing room when it comes to pest management and daily care. Farmers who’ve made the switch consistently report spending less on inputs while enjoying better returns. One farmer who traded 15 years of rice cultivation for arrowroot described the difference as escaping “slavery,” noting that while rice farming demanded about 15 laborers, arrowroot operations need just 2-4 people.
The numbers speak for themselves. From a single acre, you’re looking at harvesting approximately 200 bags of arrowroots, with each bag fetching between Ksh 2,500 and Ksh 2,700. That translates to a potential gross income of around Ksh 520,000 per season from just one acre.
Even more impressive, a quarter-acre plot can yield about 5,000 kg, generating between Ksh 250,000 to Ksh 300,000. With current market prices averaging Ksh 80 per kilogram, arrowroot farming presents a compelling case for those looking to maximize returns from limited land.
Understanding Arrowroot: The Basics
Before getting your hands dirty, you need to understand what makes arrowroot tick. This starchy tuber isn’t just another crop—it’s a nutritional powerhouse that’s deeply woven into Kenya’s cultural fabric.
Arrowroot contains high digestible starch, essential vitamins and minerals, maintains a low glycemic index, and is naturally gluten-free. These characteristics make it suitable for everyone from infants to the elderly, including those with dietary restrictions.
Beyond the plate, arrowroot carries cultural significance in Kenya. Communities in regions like Kisii, Central Kenya, and Western Kenya have incorporated it into traditional medicine practices and various ceremonies, adding another layer of value to your farming venture.
Choosing the Right Location for Your Arrowroot Farm
Getting your location right can make or break your arrowroot farming journey. Here’s what to look for:
Climate Considerations
Arrowroot thrives in a temperature range of 15-30°C—fortunately, this matches the climate in many parts of Kenya. You’ll want:
- Moderate to high humidity levels to support healthy foliage development
- Annual rainfall of 1000-1500mm, well-distributed throughout the growing season
- Altitude range from sea level to 1500m above sea level
This adaptability explains why arrowroot cultivation has spread from coastal areas to higher altitude locations in central and western Kenya.
Soil Requirements
Your soil choice matters enormously for developing those perfect tubers:
- Aim for well-drained loamy or silty soil that gives you adequate aeration and moisture retention
- Soil pH should fall between 5.5-6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- High organic matter content is crucial for providing essential nutrients
- You need a minimum topsoil depth of 30cm to give tubers room to develop properly
Avoid clay soils at all costs—they’ll cause poor rhizome development, leading to deformed tubers that break easily during harvesting.
Water Access
Water management is non-negotiable for successful arrowroot cultivation:
- You need consistent soil moisture throughout the growing period
- Regular irrigation in drier regions to supplement rainfall
- Proximity to a natural water source is preferred, especially for traditional cultivation
- Proper drainage systems to prevent waterlogging, which can damage your tubers
Mulching is your friend here—it minimizes water loss through evaporation while suppressing weed growth.
Selecting the Right Arrowroot Variety
Your choice of arrowroot variety can significantly impact your success. Kenya has both traditional varieties and improved options that offer enhanced characteristics:
Traditional Varieties
These are typically grown in swampy regions and along riverbanks. They’re well-adapted to high-moisture environments and are predominantly cultivated in areas like Nyando, Ahero, and Muhoroni in Kisumu County, where water is abundant.
The Game-Changing Burundian Variety
If you’re serious about maximizing your yields, the Burundian variety deserves your attention. Introduced to Kenya in 2016, this high-performer offers several advantages:
- Shorter maturation period of 5-6 months (compared to 7-10 months for traditional varieties)
- Significantly larger tubers weighing 5-6 kilograms per piece
- Adaptability to various soil types, not limited to swampy areas
- Resilience to harsh weather conditions
This variety has undergone successful trials and multiplication in Kenya, emerging as a go-to option for farmers looking to boost production and returns.
Getting Started: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to jump in? Here’s your roadmap to getting started with arrowroot farming in Kenya:
Step 1: Sourcing Quality Planting Materials
The foundation of a successful arrowroot farm begins with quality planting materials:
- Select healthy suckers or corms from mature plants, preferably from high-yielding parent plants
- Choose materials free from visible pests, diseases, or physical damage
- For the Burundian variety, source authentic tubers from established suppliers
- Prepare materials by removing excess soil and trimming damaged roots while maintaining the integrity of the corm
Step 2: Land Preparation
Proper land preparation creates the optimal environment for arrowroot growth:
For traditional swampy cultivation:
- Thoroughly plow and harrow your selected plot two to three times
- Dig trenches with dimensions of approximately 60cm depth and 1m width
- Optionally line trenches with large-gauge polythene paper to prevent seepage
- Mix soil with manure at a ratio of 2:1 and fill the trench with this mixture
For upland cultivation:
- Create adequately sized planting beds with proper spacing
- Ensure sufficient depth for tuber development
Step 3: Planting Process
Now comes the actual planting:
- Create planting holes with 9 by 9 inches (approximately 20-30cm) spacing between plants
- Add about 150ml of organic fertilizer to each hole to boost initial growth
- Plant 4 tubers in each hole to ensure adequate plant population
- For a quarter-acre plot, prepare up to 10 moisture beds, with each bed accommodating around 220 arrowroot corms
- Avoid shaded areas, which can significantly reduce yield potential
Step 4: Irrigation and Water Management
Keep your arrowroots happy with proper water management:
- Provide regular watering at least once weekly, especially during dry seasons
- Maintain consistent soil moisture without causing waterlogging
- Implement mulching to reduce water loss through evaporation and suppress weed growth
- Regulate water flow to prevent flooding, particularly for farms located near water bodies
- Reduce watering during the final two months before harvest to prevent rotting and allow tubers to harden
Step 5: Fertilization and Nutrient Management
Feed your plants right for optimal growth:
- Apply well-decomposed manure during land preparation to enhance soil fertility
- Top-dress with appropriate fertilizers two to three months after planting
- For commercial cultivation, approximately 50kg of 14-14-14 NPK fertilizer is sufficient for one acre
- Limit the use of inorganic fertilizers to maintain tuber quality and environmental sustainability
- Incorporate organic matter to improve soil structure and nutrient retention
Step 6: Weed, Pest, and Disease Management
One of arrowroot’s biggest advantages is its relatively low maintenance requirements:
- Conduct regular weeding to reduce competition for nutrients and water
- Apply mulching to suppress weed growth and conserve soil moisture
- Implement minimal pest management practices compared to crops like rice
- Maintain proper spacing and adequate air circulation to reduce fungal diseases
- Practice crop rotation to break pest cycles and maintain soil health
Harvesting Your Arrowroot Crop
Proper harvesting techniques ensure you maximize your yield and maintain tuber quality:
When to Harvest
Timing is everything when it comes to harvesting:
- Arrowroots typically mature in 5-6 months but are ready for harvest 8-10 months after planting
- Look for harvesting indicators like yellowing of leaves and cessation of plant growth
- For higher starch content (approximately 25%), you might delay harvesting until 10-12 months after planting
Harvesting Techniques
The right approach to harvesting preserves your tubers and maximizes your yield:
- Soften the soil around the plant before harvesting
- Use a fork jembe to carefully extract the tubers without damaging them
- Consider the strategic portioning approach used by successful farmers like Hellen Njeru—divide your farm into smaller units (yielding 200-400kg) for staggered harvesting throughout the year
This staggered approach not only distributes labor requirements but also ensures a consistent supply of arrowroots for the market, enhancing income stability and reducing potential losses from environmental factors like flooding.
Post-Harvest Handling and Value Addition
What you do after harvest significantly impacts your profits:
Post-Harvest Handling
Proper handling preserves quality and extends marketable life:
- Carefully clean tubers to remove soil and debris without damaging them
- Sort based on size and quality for different market segments
- Package appropriately for transportation to minimize physical damage
- Store in cool, dry conditions to extend shelf life
Value Addition Opportunities
Think beyond raw tubers to maximize your returns:
- Process into arrowroot flour
- Create thickeners for baking
- Develop ingredients for infant formula
Value addition not only extends shelf life but also opens access to diverse market segments, potentially increasing your returns per unit of production.
Marketing Your Arrowroot Harvest
Having a solid marketing strategy can significantly boost your profits:
Market Opportunities
Arrowroot offers diverse market channels:
- Local open-air markets where demand for traditional foods remains strong
- Hotels and restaurants seeking healthy, locally-sourced ingredients
- Breakfast caterers who value arrowroot’s nutritional profile
- Wedding ceremonies where arrowroot is culturally significant
- Online platforms connecting directly with urban consumers
The story of Hellen Njeru, a 25-year-old English and Literature graduate who ventured into commercial arrowroot farming, demonstrates the power of digital marketing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she pivoted to online sales: “I posted on WhatsApp and Facebook that I had nduma for sale and by the end of the day I had orders of over 200kgs which I packaged and sent to clients through parcel services.” This direct-to-consumer approach potentially increases profit margins by eliminating intermediaries.
Pricing Strategies
Understanding market dynamics helps you price competitively:
- Current market prices average around Ksh 80 per kilogram
- Premium prices can be charged for cleaned, graded, and well-packaged products
- Value-added products like flour command higher prices per unit weight
Challenges to Anticipate and How to Overcome Them
While arrowroot farming offers numerous advantages, you should be prepared for these challenges:
- Traditional varieties require swampy conditions or proximity to water sources—consider the Burundian variety for more flexible location options
- Excessive rainfall or flooding can damage crops—implement proper drainage systems
- Post-harvest handling and storage challenges due to perishability—explore value addition or staggered harvesting
- Limited processing infrastructure constraining value addition opportunities—start small with basic processing techniques
- Market access difficulties for farmers in remote areas—explore cooperative marketing or digital platforms
Success Story: From Graduate to Successful Arrowroot Farmer
Hellen Njeru’s journey from university graduate to successful arrowroot farmer offers valuable lessons for beginners:
After graduating with an English and Literature degree in 2018, Hellen ventured into commercial arrowroot farming instead of pursuing a conventional career path. Her innovative approach included:
- Implementing staggered harvesting by portioning her farms to yield 200-400kg weekly throughout the year
- From just one acre, she harvests up to 7 tons of arrowroots
- Successfully transitioning to online marketing during challenging periods
- Expanding her agricultural ventures to include poultry farming using proceeds from arrowroot sales
Her advice to youth reflects her entrepreneurial spirit: “You are knowledgeable, invest in the little you have, work hard and trust in God. Rome was not built in one day.”
Final Thoughts: Your Next Steps
Arrowroot farming presents a viable and lucrative agricultural venture in Kenya, offering numerous advantages including relatively low maintenance requirements, resistance to pests and diseases, and growing market demand.
As consumer preference for nutritious, traditional foods continues to grow, and with expanding opportunities for value addition and direct marketing, arrowroot farming is positioned to become an increasingly important component of Kenya’s agricultural landscape.
To get started:
- Research your local conditions and identify the most suitable variety for your location
- Source quality planting materials from reputable suppliers
- Prepare your land thoroughly, paying special attention to soil preparation
- Implement proper water management systems from day one
- Explore market opportunities in your region and consider value addition possibilities
With proper cultivation techniques, water management, and marketing strategies, you can achieve substantial returns from this increasingly popular crop. The transition stories and success of farmers like Hellen Njeru demonstrate the transformative potential of arrowroot farming for improving livelihoods and creating sustainable agricultural enterprises in Kenya.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arrowroot Farming in Kenya
How much capital do I need to start arrowroot farming in Kenya?
Starting arrowroot farming is relatively affordable compared to many other crops. For a quarter-acre, you’ll need approximately Ksh 20,000-30,000 to cover costs of land preparation, quality planting materials, basic tools, and initial inputs like organic fertilizers. This makes it accessible even for beginners with limited capital.
How long does it take before I can harvest my first arrowroot crop?
Traditional varieties take 8-10 months before they’re ready for harvest, while the improved Burundian variety matures faster, in just 5-6 months. For higher starch content, some farmers delay harvesting until 10-12 months after planting.
Can I grow arrowroot if I don’t have land near a water source?
Yes! While traditional varieties prefer swampy conditions, the Burundian variety is much more adaptable and can thrive in various soil types without requiring close proximity to water sources. This innovation has expanded arrowroot farming beyond riverine environments.
What’s the minimum land size needed for commercial arrowroot farming?
You can start commercial arrowroot farming on as little as a quarter-acre and still generate significant income. A quarter-acre can yield about 5,000 kgs, potentially generating between Ksh 250,000 to 300,000 per harvest cycle.
How do I market my arrowroot harvest?
Multiple channels exist for marketing arrowroots in Kenya. You can sell to local markets, supply hotels and restaurants, cater to breakfast vendors, or even market directly to consumers through social media and WhatsApp groups—a strategy that worked well for Hellen Njeru during the pandemic.
Is arrowroot farming labor-intensive?
No, and that’s one of its biggest advantages. Unlike crops such as rice that require intensive labor throughout the growing cycle, arrowroot farming needs minimal maintenance after establishment. A small arrowroot farm can be managed by just 2-4 people, significantly reducing labor costs.
What are the most common challenges in arrowroot farming?
The main challenges include water management issues (either too little or too much water), post-harvest handling due to perishability, and market access for farmers in remote areas. However, these challenges can be addressed through proper planning, staggered harvesting, and exploring value addition options.
How does arrowroot compare to other tuber crops like cassava and sweet potatoes?
Arrowroot generally requires less pest management than cassava and sweet potatoes while offering comparable or better returns. It’s also less susceptible to common root diseases that affect other tubers. Additionally, arrowroot has unique nutritional properties and cultural significance that can command premium prices in certain markets.
Can I intercrop arrowroot with other plants?
While arrowroot grows best as a monocrop due to its specific water requirements, some farmers successfully intercrop it with drought-resistant legumes or vegetables during the early growth stages. However, as the arrowroot plants mature and create shade, companion crops should be harvested to avoid competition.
What value-added products can I make from arrowroots?
Arrowroot can be processed into flour, which serves as an excellent thickening agent for soups, sauces, and baked goods. It’s also used in making infant formula due to its high digestibility. Creating these value-added products can significantly increase your profit margins compared to selling raw tubers.
Ready to dig in? The soil is waiting, and so is your future in arrowroot farming.
