Growing Nduma, A Complete Farmers Manual

Why Upland Arrow Roots Are Becoming Popular

In Kenya, arrow roots (nduma) have always been a beloved food; steamed, boiled, or roasted, they make a healthy, filling meal. Traditionally, farmers grew them along riverbanks, swamps, or wetlands where water is plenty. But not everyone has access to swampy land.

Meet the upland arrow root, a game-changing variety that grows well away from rivers, relying mainly on rainfall or irrigation. With urban demand for arrow roots rising and farm-gate prices ranging from KSh 80–120 per kilo, upland arrow roots are giving farmers in drier and highland regions a chance to cash in.

• Wider adaptability: Unlike swamp arrow roots, upland varieties can grow in highlands, well-drained soils, and places where traditional nduma can’t survive.
• High value crop: A single acre can produce 8–10 tons, translating to good returns given today’s prices.
• Market demand: Arrow roots are now a common feature in Nairobi and other towns, especially in hotels, supermarkets, and households seeking healthy alternatives to bread or wheat products.
• Long shelf life: Unlike bananas or vegetables, arrow roots store longer if harvested carefully.

Climate and Soil Requirements

Upland arrow roots do well in high rainfall areas (1,000–1,500mm annually) and cool to warm climates (18–28°C). Counties like Kisii, Murang’a, Nyeri, Kericho, Bungoma, and Kakamega are naturally suited, but with irrigation, even semi-arid areas can produce them.

• Soil: Fertile, deep, and well-drained, preferably loam or sandy loam. Avoid waterlogged clay soils, they cause tuber rotting.
• pH: 5.5–6.5 works best.

Land Preparation

• Clear weeds and plough deeply to loosen the soil.
• Incorporate manure (8–10 tons per acre) to improve fertility and soil structure.
• Make ridges or raised beds, which improve drainage and make harvesting easier.

Planting Material

Unlike swamp arrow roots, upland types are mostly propagated using corms and suckers. Farmers can buy planting material from Organicfarm Kenya (+254 712 075 915 | oxfarmorganic@gmail.com) at KSh 100 per sucker/corm.

Planting Guidelines

• Spacing: 60cm x 60cm between plants.
• Depth: Plant corms about 10–15cm deep in moist soil.
• Timing: Plant at the onset of rains or when irrigation is assured.
• A well-prepared acre requires about 8,000–10,000 suckers/corms.

Crop Management

• Weeding: Keep the farm weed-free during the first 3 months to reduce competition.
• Mulching: Helps retain moisture and suppress weeds, especially in drier areas.
• Fertilization: Top dress with CAN or NPK (100–150kg/acre) at 6–8 weeks after planting. Organic manures like farmyard compost also improve tuber quality.
• Irrigation: In drier zones, consistent watering is necessary during the first 4–6 months. Drip irrigation works best.

Expect to spend about KSh 30,000–50,000 per acre annually on maintenance.

Pests and Diseases

Arrow roots are hardy, but farmers should watch out for:

• Leaf spot diseases: In wet conditions (controlled by proper spacing and fungicides).
• Nematodes: Cause poor growth (rotation with cereals helps).
• Rodents and mole rats: Damage tubers (trapping and farm hygiene help).
  Control tips:
• Spray copper-based fungicides (KSh 1,200/pack) if necessary.
• Maintain farm hygiene and use traps for rodents.

Farmers in Kisii report cutting losses by over 70% with proper management and quality planting material.

Harvesting

Arrow roots mature in 8–12 months, depending on variety and management.

• Signs include yellowing of older leaves and firm, mature tubers underground.
• Harvest by gently digging around the plant to avoid bruising. Handle carefully since damaged tubers rot quickly.
• Yields of 8–10 tons per acre are realistic under good management.
• Storage: Store in cool, dry conditions to extend shelf life for weeks.

Market Opportunities

• Urban Markets: Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, Eldoret, and Nakuru have high demand in markets and supermarkets.
• Hotels and Restaurants: Nduma is now common in breakfast menus.
• Export Potential: There’s growing demand in the UK, US, and Middle East among African diaspora communities.
• Value Addition: Processing into flour for porridge, crisps, and baked goods can fetch higher returns.

At an average price of KSh 100 per kilo, a farmer producing 8 tons per acre could gross up to KSh 800,000 in one season.

Challenges in Upland Arrow Root Farming

• Planting material shortage: Not all farmers have access to quality corms or suckers.
• Labour-intensive harvesting: Digging tubers requires effort, especially in heavy soils.
• Storage losses: Tubers bruise easily; careful handling is necessary.
• Market gluts: During peak harvest, prices may drop, so timing and market linkages are key.

Tips for Success

• Start small to learn the crop before expanding.
• Use quality planting material from trusted sources like Organicfarm to avoid low yields.
• Farm in groups to access better markets and reduce costs.
• Diversify by mixing arrow roots with bananas, beans, or vegetables to spread risk.
• Explore value addition; flour and crisps have long shelf life and fetch higher prices.

Wrapping Up

Upland arrow roots are giving Kenyan farmers without access to wetlands a chance to join the nduma market. With proper land preparation, good care, and smart marketing, the crop can yield impressive profits while meeting Kenya’s growing demand for healthy, traditional foods.

They may not have the glamour of exotic fruits, but they carry one unbeatable advantage, Kenyans already love eating them.