Greenhouse farming boosts agriculture production in Kenya

By Andy Kagwa in Nairobi

November 05, 2012

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Faced with reduced acreage for farming due to population growth and unpredictable weather conditions, many Kenyans are turning to greenhouse farming technology as a way to increase food production and supplement their income.

  • Hortipro Limited exhibited low-cost greenhouse tunnels at the Jamhuri showground during the Nairobi International Trade Fair in October. [Andy Kagwa/Sabahi]

    Hortipro Limited exhibited low-cost greenhouse tunnels at the Jamhuri showground during the Nairobi International Trade Fair in October. [Andy Kagwa/Sabahi]

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The growing popularity of greenhouse farming was demonstrated at the annual Nairobi International Trade Fair in October where exhibitors of greenhouse technologies said they saw a surge in public interest.

"Many Kenyans are adopting greenhouse farming because it requires very little capital to set up and farmers are able to produce more on a small farm," said Moses Khaemba of Hortipro Limited, a Nairobi-based firm that constructs low-cost greenhouses.

In addition to being relatively inexpensive and easy to install, greenhouses also have lower maintenance costs, use water more efficiently and can be shifted between plots, he said, adding that farmers can see profits from the first harvest.

"Greenhouse farming has many advantages," Khaemba told Sabahi. "These include higher and more consistent production per acre, which translates into more profits, protection from weather issues like frost and wind, limited exposure to damaging pests, natural sunlight and ventilation, longer growing seasons, and more economical water usage, especially in dry areas."

The size of a greenhouse depends on the farmer's ability to manage it and the size of the lot, he said. The average unit is 8 by 30 metres and costs 150,000 shillings ($1,800). The company has received more than 1,000 orders from farmers so far this year -- a 25% increase compared to 2011 -- some with multiple units on the same farm, Khaemba said.

Greenhouses can either be traditional house-like structures or greenhouse tunnels -- long, plastic-covered enclosures over crops. Farmers say that by using greenhouse tunnels, they are able to produce more than in an open field.

"I have two greenhouses on my three-acre plot in Karen Estate in Nairobi where I have planted tomatoes," Margaret Wanjiku, 54, told Sabahi.

Wanjiku, who retired five years ago from an international aid organisation, said one tomato plant can yield 16-20 kilograms of tomatoes.

Although prices fluctuate because of supply and demand, she said each square metre of tomatoes fetches her about 3,000 shillings ($35). "I sell the tomatoes to a nearby supermarket and to some to my neighbours," she said.

Amos Karanja has set aside a portion of his quarter-acre plot in Kitengela, Kajiado County, for growing greenhouse tomatoes. "Although I have a day job, I ventured into this type of farming as a way of earning additional income to support my family," he told Sabahi.

Dan Wanjohi of Daner Greenhouse Limited in Ongata Rongai, a residential area in Rift Valley Province, said virtually any vegetable can be grown in greenhouses, including cucumbers, onions and cabbage.

"Most farmers in Kenya prefer to grow tomatoes because it is a high-yield plant and one that gets returns in three months after planting," he told Sabahi.

He said his firm uses steel in the construction of its 8 by 30 metre greenhouses and sells them for 200,000 shillings ($2,300) each. The cost includes laying the pipes for drip irrigation.

However, farmers who are unable to afford the steel structures can still put up the greenhouse tunnels using timber at a much lower cost. "I paid 70,000 shillings ($818) to construct my greenhouse," Karanja told Sabahi.

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Reader's Comments

  • Monica W. Kimani
    June 17, 2013 @ 06:37:22AM

    Hi Sabahi, where is your location?

  • james
    June 13, 2013 @ 05:34:03AM

    Dear SABAHI, kindly send me a quote on the cheapest green house that you can construct. I would like to specialize in tomatoes. Thank you and hoping to hear from you soon.

  • ERIC KARIUKI
    June 11, 2013 @ 06:56:50AM

    Dear SABAHI, kindly send me a quote on the cheapest green house that you can construct. The location that I want it to be constructed in is in Githiga, in Githunguri, in Kiambu county. The place is a tea zone area. I would like to specialize in tomatoes. Thank you and hoping to hear from you soon.

  • hamadi
    June 9, 2013 @ 08:11:48AM

    It is a good and beneficial agricultural method. I am in Tanzania and would like to get that service of drop irrigation for 10 acres. Look if there is a possibility. Thank you.

  • Anthony
    June 8, 2013 @ 03:01:03AM

    Hi I am Anthony form Nairobi and am interested in green house farming, please give me more information onn houw to to get one.

  • John Kamau
    May 28, 2013 @ 04:58:04AM

    I was trying to look for some information about the green house prices and this article has helped me so much.

  • nyakerario
    May 27, 2013 @ 06:30:41AM

    where are you situated i would like to come there and see what goes on phisically aand do a face to face converstion to know more about the greeen house

  • moraa
    May 22, 2013 @ 03:07:03AM

    Am looking to buy tomatoes from those farming. Anyone around kitengela, karen, ngong.. let me know then we take it off-line

  • mwanakhamis
    May 15, 2013 @ 03:09:57PM

    I am very happy, as from today I want to travel to Kenya, though I know nobody there. I want to learn that greenhouse farming and later do it in Zanzibar.

  • Michael Nelson
    May 4, 2013 @ 03:53:56AM

    Am very much interested in this type of farming, but can i get clarification on how to get water on my peice of land. cost of diging borehole and storage tank and everything that is needed and incase diging aborehole and get water can be aproblem please advice.

  • MPANGALA ROBERT
    April 30, 2013 @ 10:19:50AM

    THIS EXPERTISE IS VERY GOOD. HOW CAN A PERSON FROM OUTSIDE KENYA OBTAIN GREENHOUSES AND ADVISE ON GREENHOUSE FARMING? CAN I GET THE CONTACT OF THAT COMPANY?

  • Allan
    April 27, 2013 @ 10:40:37AM

    Hi Kindly advice what would be the total cost of setting up a greenhouse in chogoria meru on a 50 by 100 plot. And what size would be appropriate for this.

  • Kennedy Wabwire
    April 11, 2013 @ 09:26:21PM

    I am interested in greenhouse farming and I wish to receive any helpful information as I intend to establish a farm in Busia Uganda.

  • Richard Chacha
    April 4, 2013 @ 10:02:49AM

    Am very much interested in this type of farming, but can i get clarification on how to get water on my peice of land. cost of diging borehole and storage tank and everything that is needed and incase diging aborehole and get water can be aproblem please advice.

  • Baltazary tarimo
    March 19, 2013 @ 09:26:14AM

    This news has encouraged me. How will I reach you?

  • Victor ngeno
    March 13, 2013 @ 02:46:46AM

    with this kind of technique kenya can achieve food stability,accessibility and availabilty and hence food utilisation.This way kenya can achieve food security and since agricultrue is backbone of kenyas economy there is need for more emphasis on agriculture by government

  • Priscah Ndungu
    January 25, 2013 @ 08:26:13AM

    Hi, I would like to know if Hortipro do have a 8 x 15m greenhouse and the cost.

  • GODWELL
    December 9, 2012 @ 09:17:51PM

    This is Godwell Ssengo where one can call me anything coz i live in the village but the village isnt in me.Heard of green house farming and have seen it somewhere then my heart sung again as it does when ever i get new ideas like the Aquaculture - fish farming in ponds,etc but fail to proceed coz of money.I stay on two achers of land where ots ca be done just in case i get you ready to share your information on this project and where to get the FUNDS.Then also have a friend who has 35 achers of land in mukonoe where this country can be feed daily with products from this land - greens,potatoes fish / frogs coz there is a constant running water through the year,.There where is he/she who can take me there - mean where FUNDS,INVESTORS ARE. God bless. Godwell.

  • haron
    November 22, 2012 @ 10:09:45AM

    if i construct a green house on a quarter acre in naiirobi, how much will it cost and what is the profit margin per year for tomatoes, chilli or other crops? pls help

  • Thilak Hathurusinghe
    November 22, 2012 @ 12:13:06AM

    Dear friend, This is very good project. I would like to start this project in Sri Lanka. Thilak

  • hemed
    November 6, 2012 @ 03:36:57PM

    Is very good i like growing vegetables.

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