As you can see, the cost of production has increased in recent years, but the farm-gate price has also increased. This means that farmers are still making a good profit. The future of macadamia nut farming in Kenya is very bright, and the industry is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.

Challenges On Macadamia Farming In Kenya

Macadamia farming in Kenya is a very profitable business, but it is not without its challenges. Some of the challenges that macadamia farmers in Kenya face include:

• High cost of production: The cost of planting, maintaining, and harvesting macadamia trees is relatively high. This is due to the fact that macadamia trees are slow-growing and require a lot of care.
• Pests and diseases: Macadamia trees are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, such as macadamia nut borer, macadamia root rot, and macadamia scab. These pests and diseases can cause significant damage to macadamia trees and reduce yields.
• Weather conditions: Macadamia trees are sensitive to weather conditions, such as drought and frost. Drought can cause trees to die, while frost can damage the nuts.
• Inadequate infrastructure: The macadamia nut industry in Kenya is still relatively underdeveloped. This means that there is a lack of infrastructure, such as processing facilities and storage facilities, which can make it difficult for farmers to get a good price for their nuts.
• Lack of skilled labor: There is a lack of skilled labor available for macadamia nut farming in Kenya. This is because macadamia nut farming is a relatively new industry in Kenya, and there is not yet a large pool of skilled workers available.
• Access to land: Land is a scarce resource in Kenya, and it can be difficult and expensive to acquire land for macadamia farming.
• Financing: The cost of starting a macadamia farm can be high, and it can be difficult to obtain financing from banks.
• Marketing: It can be difficult to market macadamia nuts to domestic and international buyers. There is a lack of awareness of macadamia nuts in Kenya, and there is a lack of established marketing channels for macadamia nuts.
• Government regulations: There are a number of government regulations that macadamia farmers must comply with. These regulations can be complex and time-consuming to understand and comply with.

Overcoming the challenges of macadamia farming in Kenya

• Choose the right location: When choosing a location for your macadamia farm, it is important to consider the factors that will affect the growth and productivity of your trees. These factors include soil type, rainfall, and altitude.
• Plant high-quality seedlings: It is important to plant high-quality macadamia seedlings that are resistant to pests and diseases. This will help to reduce the risk of losing your trees to pests and diseases.
• Provide good care: Macadamia trees require a lot of care to grow and produce nuts. This includes regular watering, pruning, and pest and disease control.
• Get involved in the macadamia nut industry: There are a number of organizations and associations that can help you to get involved in the macadamia nut industry. These organizations can provide you with information, training, and support.
• Be patient: Macadamia trees are slow-growing, and it takes several years for them to start producing nuts. However, if you are patient and provide good care, your macadamia trees will eventually start producing a good yield of nuts.
• Network with other farmers: Networking with other macadamia farmers can be a great way to learn about the industry and to get support. There are a number of macadamia farmer associations in Kenya that can provide you with networking opportunities.
• Get involved in research and development: There is a lot of research and development being done on macadamia nut farming in Kenya. Getting involved in this research can help you to stay up-to-date on the latest practices and technologies.
• Be patient and persistent: Macadamia farming is a long-term investment. It takes several years for macadamia trees to start producing nuts, and it takes even longer to build a successful business. Be patient and persistent, and you will eventually be rewarded for your efforts.

Macadamia Varieties In Kenya

Macadamia is grown between 1400 to 2000m above sea level (a.s.l.). KALRO released four main varieties, MRG-20, KRG-15, KMB-3 and EMB-1 for cultivation in Kenya. These improved varieties yield earlier, more and better quality nuts and kernels than the un-grafted non improved types.

1. Muranga 20 (MRG-20) Hybrid Macadamia Variety in Kenya

This is a pure Macadamia integrifolia variety suitable for the marginal coffee zones of altitudes between 1500—1600 Metres above sea level. Its distinct features include while flowers and rounded leaves with no distinct leaf apex.

MRG 20 is a popular variety among macadamia farmers in Kenya. It is a good choice for farmers who are looking for a variety that is early-bearing, high-yielding, and resistant to pests and diseases.

A mature tree can produce over 80 kilograms of nuts per year, and a hectare of MRG 20 trees can produce over 2,400 kilograms of nuts per year. This makes MRG 20 a very profitable variety for farmers to grow.

If you are considering growing macadamia trees in Kenya, MRG 20 is a good variety to consider. It is early-bearing, high-yielding, and resistant to pests and diseases. This makes it a good choice for farmers who are looking to make a profit from macadamia farming.

• Harvesting months = All year round (peak May—June)
• Kernel Recovery% = 33%
• First Grade Ratio = 91%
• Twin nut Ratio = 2.16%
• Cluster Size = 13, Cluster count =6
• Shell thickness = <3.0mm

2. Embu 1 (EMB 1) Hybrid Macadamia Variety in Kenya

A pure Macadamia integrifolia variety suitable for the main coffee zones of altitudes between 1550- 1650 Metres above sea level with precipitation above 1200 mm pa with white flowers, curly leaves with few spines. The Nuts are perfectly smooth and round. Tree are cone shaped.

A mature tree can produce over 70 kilograms of nuts per year, and a hectare of EMB 1 trees can produce over 2,100 kilograms of nuts per year. This makes EMB 1 a very profitable variety for farmers to grow.

• It is a cross between the varieties MRG-20 and KRG-15.
• It is a self-pollinating variety, which means that it does not need another tree for pollination.
• It is a drought-tolerant variety.
• It is a late-blooming variety, which means that it is less likely to be damaged by frost.

If you are considering growing macadamia trees in Kenya, EMB 1 is a good variety to consider. It is early-bearing, high-yielding, and resistant to pests and diseases. This makes it a good choice for farmers who are looking to make a profit from macadamia farming.

• Expected yield at 15yrs of age = 70kg/tree/yr
• Harvesting months = All year round (peak May—June)
• Kernel Recovery% = 35%
• First Grade Ratio = 93%
• Twin nut Ratio = 2.41%
• Cluster Size = 5 Cluster count = 17
• Shell Thickness = <3mm

3. Kirinyaga 15 (KRG 15) Hybrid Macadamia Variety in Kenya

A pure Macadamia integrifolia variety suitable for the sunflower-maize zone, marginal coffee zone, and main coffee zone of altitudes between 1550-1650 Metres above sea level with precipitation above 1200 mm pa. The tree has white flowers with open tree formation. Leaves are moderately spines with an apex.

The yield of KRG 15 macadamia trees is quite high. A mature tree can produce over 80 kilograms of nuts per year, and a hectare of KRG 15 trees can produce over 2,400 kilograms of nuts per year. This makes KRG 15 a very profitable variety for farmers to grow.

• It is a cross between the varieties MRG-20 and KMB-3.
• It is a self-pollinating variety, which means that it does not need another tree for pollination.
• It is a drought-tolerant variety.
• It is a late-blooming variety, which means that it is less likely to be damaged by frost.

If you are considering growing macadamia trees in Kenya, KRG 15 is a good variety to consider. It is early-bearing, high-yielding, and resistant to pests and diseases. This makes it a good choice for farmers who are looking to make a profit from macadamia farming.

• Expected yield at 15yrs of age = 80kg/tree/yr
• Harvesting months = All year round (peak May—June)
• Kernel Recovery% = 39%
• First Grade Ratio = 91%
• Twin nut Ratio = 0%
• Cluster Size = 8 Cluster count = 11
• Shell Thickness = <3mm

Kiambu 3 (KMB 3) Hybrid Macadamia Variety in Kenya

A pure a Hybrid variety suitable for the coffee-tea zones of altitudes between 1650– 1900 Metres above sea level, with precipitation above 1500 mm pa. It has distinct pink shoots and flowers and long leaves with many spines and a pronounced apex.

KMB 3 is a popular variety among macadamia farmers in Kenya. It is a good choice for farmers who are looking for a variety that is early-bearing, high-yielding, and resistant to pests and diseases.

A mature tree can produce over 70 kilograms of nuts per year, and a hectare of KMB 3 trees can produce over 2,100 kilograms of nuts per year. This makes KMB 3 a very profitable variety for farmers to grow.

If you are considering growing macadamia trees in Kenya, KMB 3 is a good variety to consider. It is early-bearing, high-yielding, resistant to pests and diseases. This makes it a good choice for farmers who are looking to make a profit from macadamia farming.

• Expected yield at 15yrs of age = 70kg/tree/yr
• Harvesting months = Once a year (May—August)
• Kernel Recovery% = 35%
• First Grade Ratio = 90%
• Twin nut Ratio = 0.1%
• Cluster Size = 5 Cluster count = 13
• Shell Thickness = <3mm

Ecological requirements of macadamia farming in Kenya

Here are some of the ecological requirements for macadamia farming in Kenya:

• Altitude: Macadamia trees can be grown at altitudes ranging from 800 to 2,000 meters above sea level. However, they prefer altitudes between 1,200 and 1,800 meters above sea level.
• Rainfall: Macadamia trees need an annual rainfall of at least 1,000 millimeters. They prefer a well-distributed rainfall pattern, with no prolonged dry spells.
• Soil: Macadamia trees prefer deep, well-drained soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. They are not tolerant of waterlogging or alkaline soils.
• Temperature: Macadamia trees can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but they prefer temperatures between 18 and 28 degrees Celsius. They are not tolerant of frost.
• Sunlight: Macadamia trees need full sun to produce nuts.

Macadamia Field Establishment

Prepare the land 2-3 months before planting during the dry spell. Dig holes 60cm by 60cm by 60cm and add 20kg bucket of manure, add 100g of TSP.

• Separate topsoil and the subsoil keep
• Backfill the hole with topsoil mixed with 2 debes of manure
• Apply (300g) of compound fertilizer NPK 20:10:10: or its equivalent
• Place the seedling in the hole, cover with the topsoil and firm it
• Make a basin around the seedling and apply water

NOTE: Sow seeds with the white spot on the seed facing down, germination will take roughly 1-3 months. The root stocks are then grafted after 12 months using cleft method where smooth shelled varieties are used as scion and root stock. Transplant grafted seedlings after 8-10 months, add P fertilizer 50g per hole. Spacing for pure stand should be 7.5m by 7.5m, spreading varieties 10m by 10m eg KMB3, non-spreading varieties at 7.5m by 7.5m e.g EMB1

Mulching & Training Macadamia Trees

Use organic materials like grass

The trees must be trained within first 3 years of transplanting
Training to develop strong and well-balanced low branching trees forming wide angles with the trunk.

Intercropping Macadamia Trees

• Intercrop for maximize land, increase unit production, and reduce weeds completion
• Avoid perennial crops, grass family as inter crops with macadamia
• Intercrop with French beans, green peas, common bean, irish potatoes, sweet potatoes and ground nuts

Manure Application

• Manure is much more preferred for nutrient replenishment.
• A mature tree should receive approximately 2 debes of manure every year or 2.7 kg of fertilizer.
• Too much nitrogen may result in the vegetative growth of the tree at the expense of fruiting.

Fertilizer Application

• Apply in 2 splits applications just before the short and long rains.
• Apply fertilizer under the canopy, along the drip line and away from the trunk.
• Incorporate fertilizer into the surface of the soil to avoid runoff and volatilization. Fertilizer application rate increases as the tree increases in size and age till a maximum of ten years.
• If the soil pH is below 4.5, 120 g of lime (calcium carbonate [CaCO3)] and 60 g single superphosphate (SSP) should be mixed with soil at each planting hole.

Macadamia Yield Per Tree

Macadamia trees typically take several years to reach full production capacity though production can start at 3 years for varieties like Muranga 20 (MRG20). The yield of macadamia nuts can vary based on factors such as tree age, variety, growing conditions, and orchard management practices. Here’s a rough estimate of the expected yield in kilograms (Kgs) for macadamia trees from year 3 to year 15, assuming favorable conditions:

Please note that these estimates are approximate and can vary widely based on specific circumstances. Consulting with local agricultural experts, farmers on the ground and considering your specific growing conditions will provide a more accurate prediction.

• Year 3: 5 – 10 Kgs per tree
• Year 4: 10 – 15 Kgs per tree
• Year 5: 15 – 25 Kgs per tree
• Year 6: 20 – 35 Kgs per tree
• Year 7: 30 – 45 Kgs per tree
• Year 8: 40 – 60 Kgs per tree
• Year 9: 50 – 70 Kgs per tree
• Year 10: 60 – 80 Kgs per tree
• Year 11: 70 – 90 Kgs per tree
• Year 12: 80 – 100 Kgs per tree
• Year 13: 90 – 110 Kgs per tree
• Year 14: 100 – 120 Kgs per tree
• Year 15: 110 – 130 Kgs per tree

Keep in mind that these estimates are cumulative. For example, in year 15, a mature macadamia tree could potentially yield around 110 – 130 Kgs of nuts, depending on various factors. Proper orchard management, including fertilization, irrigation, pest control, and pruning, will play a significant role in achieving and maintaining these yield levels.

Profitability Of Macadamia Farming In Kenya

Assuming am planting 110 macadamia plants per acre on 6*7m spacing or 6*6m with a production of 80Kgs per acre on a variety like MRG 20 that currently does extremely well on most parts of the country. (This is based on field observation by Farmers Trend in Muranga and Embu County)

It is important to note that these are just estimates. The actual cost of production, yield, and profitability per acre will vary depending on a number of factors.

If you are considering growing macadamia trees in Kenya, it is important to do your research and to create a realistic budget. You should also make sure that you have the resources to provide the trees with the care they need to thrive.

Given:

• Average yield per tree: 80 Kgs
• Number of trees per acre: 110
• Market price per Kg: KES 100
• Total Variable Costs: KES 40,000
• Total Fixed Costs: KES 20,000
• Property and administrative costs: KES 10,000
• Depreciation of equipment and infrastructure: KES 8,000

Calculations:

1. Total Cost of Production per Acre = Total Variable Costs + Total Fixed Costs Total Cost of Production per Acre = KES 40,000 + KES 20,000 + KES 10,000 + KES 8,000 = KES 78,000
2. Estimated Yield per Tree = 80 Kgs Total Yield per Acre = 80 Kgs * 110 = 8,800 Kgs
3. Revenue = Total Yield per Acre * Market Price per Kg Revenue = 8,800 Kgs * KES 100 = KES 880,000
4. Total Costs = Total Cost of Production per Acre Total Costs = KES 78,000
5. Profit per Acre = Revenue – Total Costs Profit per Acre = KES 880,000 – KES 78,000 = KES 802,000

In this scenario, the profitability per acre would be KES 802,000. Please remember that these calculations provide an estimated overview and real-world values can differ based on market fluctuations, actual costs, and yield variations. Note also that prices of macadamia in Kenya per Kg can go as high as more than KES 200.

Macadamia Market In Kenya

The macadamia market in Kenya is growing rapidly. Kenya is the third largest producer of macadamia nuts in the world, after Australia and South Africa. The country has a favorable climate for growing macadamia trees, and the government is supportive of the industry.

The demand for macadamia nuts is growing in both domestic and export markets. In the domestic market, macadamia nuts are used in a variety of products, including confectionery, ice cream, and cosmetics. In the export market, macadamia nuts are in high demand in Europe, North America, and Asia.

The price of macadamia nuts in Kenya is relatively stable. The average price of macadamia nuts in Kenya is around 750 KES per kilogram. However, the price can fluctuate depending on the supply and demand in the market.

The macadamia industry in Kenya is facing some challenges, such as pests and diseases, and lack of access to credit. However, the industry is also seeing some opportunities, such as the development of new markets and the introduction of new varieties of macadamia trees.

Overall, the macadamia market in Kenya is promising. The industry is growing rapidly, and there is a strong demand for macadamia nuts in both domestic and export markets. The government is supportive of the industry, and there are a number of opportunities for growth.

Here are some macadamia buyers in Kenya

Pests and Diseases Of Macadamia Farming In Kenya