Horticulture plays a vital role in Kenya’s agricultural economy, contributing to job creation, improved nutrition, and income generation—particularly among women. Kenya’s diverse climatic and ecological zones make it suitable for cultivating a wide range of vegetables, establishing the country as a major producer of fresh produce. However, the sector remains dominated by large-scale farmers engaged in export production. In contrast, most small-scale farmers—who constitute over 80 percent of Kenya’s farming population—traditionally focus on cereal crops such as maize. Despite increasing domestic demand for fresh vegetables, especially in urban areas, few small-scale farmers have shifted toward horticultural production.
This project assess the economic viability of horticulture relative to cereal production and to explore opportunities for capacity strengthening among smallholder farmers. The assessment is crucial to promote a sustainable and inclusive transition from cereal-based farming to diversified vegetable cultivation. The study’s findings are expected to inform policy makers, development partners, and small-scale female farmers on the potential benefits of expanding vegetable production. In particular, it will analyze how a shift toward horticulture could enhance household incomes, improve nutritional outcomes, and strengthen resilience in rural communities.
By providing evidence-based insights, this project aims to guide strategies that support equitable participation in Kenya’s horticultural sector and advance broader goals of food security, gender empowerment, and rural economic growth.