Status of Greenhouse Farming in the Coastal Humid Climatic Region of Kenya

Abstract

The performance of greenhouses in the humid coastal region of Kenya has consistently been poor despite the huge market potential that exist for fresh farm produce. A study was conducted to establish the extent of greenhouse technology uptake and distribution pattern in the region with a view to establish production status and challenges faced by greenhouse farmers. A survey was conducted in Kwale, Kilifi and Mombasa counties between July and August 2015. Data was collected through semi-structured questionnaires, random interviews and observation using purposive sampling method. The study established that 69% and 100% of the greenhouses surveyed in Kwale and Mombasa Counties respectively were owned by institutions and farmer groups. In Kilifi County however, more individuals own greenhouses with over 60% of the greenhouses owned by two farmers who produce for export. There was marked variation on the spatial distribution of greenhouses in the three counties with the relative area under greenhouse in the region averaging 0.0003%. Most of the installed greenhouses in the region had been abandoned. The rate of failure was highest in Kwale County where only 30% of those surveyed were operational. In Kilifi and Mombasa Counties however, 70% of the existing greenhouses were operational. Greenhouse farming in the coastal humid region faced several challenges including low productivity averaging 10% of the potential; political interference, lack of technical know-how, lack of adequate water sources and in certain instances low water quality usage for production. These challenges largely contributed to the poor adoption of the greenhouse technology in the region under study. With increased technical support, greenhouses can be a more viable economic booster especially in the urban and non-traditional agricultural areas.