An Explorative Survey on Challenges Facing Citrus Farmers in Makueni County, Kenya

The paper aimed at investigating the main challenges facing citrus (sweet orange, pixie, and tangerine) farmers in Makueni County. A sample size of 150 citrus farmers was purposively selected across Ngutwa, Nziu, Kilala, Kitikyumu, and Kalamba regions due to their predominance in citrus farming. Primary data was derived from farmers and key informants from the Makueni sub-county. Secondary data was also used where necessary. The study depicts that citrus farming in Kenya and more specifically Makueni County is challenged by pests and diseases, lack or poor agricultural extension services, low pricing due to stiff competition from Tanzania, poor farmer organization, lack of sustainable commercialization, expensive inputs, inaccessibility to credit facilities, erratic patterns of weather, poor marketing, poor road infrastructure and land use, and traditional tenure system. Pests and diseases, erratic weather patterns, and poor marketing network were common challenges in all the areas where data was collected. There was a close relationship and persistence between climate change, pests and diseases as core challenges whose occurrence are dictated by nature. To build resilience and adaptation to these external factors, it is necessary to invest in sustainable, anticipatory measures through the adoption of agricultural technologies that offer increased productivity. The findings of this study form important baseline information that is necessary for guiding further bio ecological investigations. Besides, the results are vital in developing proper policies that aim in developing citrus farming in the country