Canola and Wheat Growing in the Kenya Highlands NE of Mt. Kenya.
On July 25, 2018, John Purdie Sloan and Benter Akinyi Ogol of our Peace Farms Team, observed golden wheat and canola, in full yellow bloom, growing in the Kenya Highlands farmland on the north-east slopes of Mount Kenya between Nanyuki and Meru. The undulating expansive farmland, interspersed with groves of trees, is reminiscent of the rich farmland of the east coast of Scotland, the Scottish Borders, and the undulating areas of the Canadian Prairies. Although located near the equator, the high altitude of around 8,000' has cooler temperatures and is conducive to growing canola and wheat. Canola and wheat prefer cooler temperatures no higher than 30 degrees Celsius.
Nearer Nanyuki there are extensive mesh-covered green houses for growing flowers for the international market. The mesh-covered green houses are primarily used for insect and disease control. The flowers are grown with assistance of drip-irrigation. In addition, runner beans, peas and vegetable crops are grown in the open. The staple crop grown in the area by small holder farmers is maize..
John Purdie Sloan, Peace Farms Team Leader.