Soya bean farming in Kenya has gained significant traction in recent years, offering farmers a lucrative opportunity to meet the growing demand for soybeans both domestically and globally. With its multiple uses in various industries, including livestock feed, cooking oil, and food production, soya beans have become one of the most sought-after crops in the country.

The Rising Demand for Soya Beans in Kenya

Soya beans are widely recognized for their high protein content, making them an affordable and nutritious source of animal feed. They are also utilized in the production of cooking oil, margarine, soya chunks, soap, and milk, among other products. As a result, the demand for soya beans in Kenya has been steadily increasing, outstripping local supply and creating opportunities for farmers to fill the gap.

According to industry experts, Kenya currently imports a significant portion of its annual soya bean requirement, with only a fraction being produced locally. This deficit has led to higher prices for consumers and increased reliance on imports from countries like Uganda, South Africa, and Nigeria. To address this issue and reduce dependence on imports, there is a pressing need to boost local production of soya beans.

The Benefits of Soya Bean Farming

Lucrative Returns on Investment

Soya bean farming offers promising returns on investment, particularly for farmers who adopt high-yielding varieties and employ effective management practices. With proper cultivation techniques, farmers can achieve yields of up to 6 tonnes per hectare, generating significant income within a relatively short period of 4-5 months. The break-even yield level for soya beans is approximately 1.7 tonnes per hectare, ensuring that farmers can reap substantial profits even with moderate yields.

Value Addition and Diversification

Soya beans provide opportunities for value addition and diversification on the farm. Farmers can utilize their harvest to produce various value-added products such as soy-based yogurt, cooking oil, milk, and soya chunks. By adding value to their produce, farmers can increase their profitability and tap into different market segments, catering to both domestic and international demand.

Compatibility with Crop Rotation Systems

Soya beans are highly compatible with both long and short crop rotation systems. In non-irrigated farming systems, a common rotation setup involves planting maize in the summer and followed by soya beans in the same season. This rotation enhances the yield of the subsequent cereal crop due to the residual nitrogen left by the soya beans, as they are legumes capable of fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere. Similarly, in irrigated farming systems, soya beans can be rotated with winter-irrigated wheat, allowing for efficient land utilization and maximizing crop productivity.

Weed, Pest, and Disease Control

Soya beans have the added advantage of aiding in weed, pest, and disease control, particularly when incorporated into rotation systems with cereal crops. The early maturity and canopy cover of soya beans contributes to better moisture conservation, suppressing weed growth and reducing competition for resources. Additionally, soya beans have the potential to control specific pests and diseases, contributing to overall crop health and minimizing the need for chemical interventions.

Employment Generation and Economic Growth

With the youth population in Africa rapidly increasing, agriculture, including soya bean farming, presents a significant opportunity for job creation and economic growth. By engaging in soya bean cultivation, farmers can not only provide for their own sustenance but also contribute to national food security and generate employment opportunities for others in their communities.

Essential Considerations for Soya Bean Production

Selecting the Right Variety

Choosing the right variety of soya beans is crucial for achieving optimal productivity. Farmers should opt for high-yielding certified seed varieties that are well-suited to their specific farming region. Factors to consider when selecting a variety include the length of the growing season, resistance to lodging, shattering-free period, high pod clearance, rapid stem dehydration, and disease resistance. It is advisable to start each season with fresh certified seeds to ensure the highest quality and germination rates.

Some of the best soya beans varieties include:

• Nyala soya

• Hill soya

• Gazelle soya

• SB 19 soya

• Black hawk soya

Soil Condition and Preparation

Soya beans thrive in well-drained soils with a clay content of over 20%. However, they do not perform well in weak or light sandy soils. It is essential to prepare the land properly by harrowing the soil to a medium tilth, promoting optimal root development and nutrient absorption. Soil acidity is also a critical consideration, as soya beans require a pH range of 5.5 to 7 for optimal growth. Farmers should conduct soil analysis and apply lime, if necessary, to bring the soil to the recommended pH level.

Planting and Spacing

Planting of soya beans should coincide with the onset of the rainy season to ensure adequate moisture for germination and early growth. It is recommended to plant two seeds per hole, with a spacing of 30cm by 15cm. Once the seedlings emerge, thin them to one plant per hole to allow sufficient space for each plant to grow and develop.

Weed Management

Weed management is crucial for successful soya bean cultivation. Farmers can employ various strategies such as hand weeding or the application of pre-emergence and post-emergence herbicides to control weed infestation. Consult agricultural experts to learn about the best herbicides to use on soya farms.

Pest and Disease Control

To protect soya bean crops from common pests and diseases, farmers should implement integrated pest management strategies. Soya beans are prone to pests such as:

• Semi-looper caterpillars

• Cotton aphids

• African bollworm

• Bean fly

• Nematodes

• Weevils

Also, they are prone to diseases like:

• Downey mildew

• Soya bean mosaic virus

• bacterial blight

• Brown spot

• White mold

Crop rotation, the use of disease-resistant varieties, and good agricultural practices can effectively minimize pest and disease incidence.

Harvesting and Storage

Soya beans are ready for harvest when the leaves start turning yellow, and at least one pod per plant has turned brown. Proper timing is crucial to ensure optimal seed quality and yield. After harvesting, it is essential to dry the grains to a moisture content below 12% to prevent spoilage during storage.

Soya Bean Price Per Kg In Kenya

Currently, soya beans are selling at between Ksh 80 – 130 per kg, although this price may vary depending on the season. On a higher scale, the prices can hike to even Ksh 160.

Soya bean farming in Kenya presents a promising opportunity for farmers to thrive in the agricultural sector.