Pawpaw Farming in Kenya: A Comprehensive Guide
1. Introduction to Pawpaw Farming
Pawpaw (Carica papaya) is a highly profitable fruit crop in Kenya due to its fast growth, high yield, and strong local and export market. It is grown in warm, low- to mid-altitude regions with well-drained soils.
Why Pawpaw Farming?
✅ Fast maturity (6–9 months after transplanting)
✅ High market demand (both local and export)
✅ Continuous harvesting for up to 3 years
✅ High yield per acre
✅ Suitable for both small- and large-scale farming
2. Ecological Requirements
Climate
- Altitude: 0 – 1,500m above sea level
- Temperature: 21°C – 33°C
- Rainfall: 1,000 – 2,500mm annually (supplement with irrigation in dry areas)
Soil
- Well-drained, sandy loam soil with high organic matter
- pH: 5.5 – 7.5
- Avoid waterlogged areas (causes root rot)
3. Selecting the Right Pawpaw Variety
Common Varieties in Kenya
- Solo Sunrise – High yield, small sweet fruits, ideal for export
- Red Lady – High-yielding, disease-resistant hybrid
- Mountain Papaya – Grows well in cooler highland areas
- Calina Papaya (IPB9) – Grown mainly for commercial production
- Local Varieties – Hardy but lower yielding
Tip: Hybrid varieties like Red Lady are highly recommended for commercial farming due to their higher yield and disease resistance.
4. Land Preparation & Planting
Land Preparation
- Clear the land and remove weeds
- Plow and harrow to loosen the soil
- Add organic manure (10–20 tons per acre)
- Dig holes 60cm x 60cm x 60cm, spaced 2.5m x 2.5m
Planting Guide
- Mix topsoil with manure and DAP fertilizer
- Transplant healthy seedlings at 4–6 weeks old
- Water immediately after planting
5. Pawpaw Crop Management
Irrigation
- Water every 3–4 days during dry periods
- Drip Irrigation is recommended for water efficiency
Fertilization
- At Planting: 50g of DAP per hole
- After 1 Month: Top dress with 50g CAN per plant
- Flowering Stage: Apply NPK (17:17:17)
- Every 3 Months: Apply organic manure
Weeding
- Keep the area weed-free to reduce competition
- Mulch to retain moisture
Pruning & Thinning
- Remove excess side branches for better airflow
- Thin out weak or diseased plants
Pest & Disease Management
| Common Pests | Control Methods |
|---|---|
| Fruit Fly | Use traps, neem-based sprays |
| Aphids | Spray neem oil, use insecticidal soap |
| Spider Mites | Use biological control or miticides |
| Common Diseases | Control Methods |
|---|---|
| Powdery Mildew | Apply copper-based fungicides |
| Anthracnose | Use Mancozeb or organic fungicides |
| Papaya Ringspot Virus | Plant resistant varieties, control aphids |
6. Harvesting & Post-Harvest Handling
- Pawpaws mature in 6–9 months after planting
- Harvest when the fruit starts to turn yellow
- Use a sharp knife to cut the fruit from the stem
- Store at 10°C – 12°C for extended shelf life
7. Market & Selling Strategies
Target Markets
- Local markets (supermarkets, groceries, open-air markets)
- Export (especially solo varieties to Europe & Middle East)
- Value addition (pawpaw juice, dried pawpaw, jam)
Price per Kg in Kenya (2025 Estimates)
- Local Market: Ksh 50 – 80
- Export Market: Ksh 100 – 150
8. Financial Analysis & Return on Investment (ROI)
Estimated Costs & Revenue per Acre
Initial Investment (Year 1)
| Item | Quantity | Unit Cost (Ksh) | Total Cost (Ksh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Land preparation | 1 acre | 10,000 | 10,000 |
| Hybrid seedlings | 700 | 50 | 35,000 |
| Manure | 10 tons | 3,000 | 30,000 |
| Fertilizer | Various | - | 20,000 |
| Pesticides & fungicides | - | - | 15,000 |
| Irrigation (drip) | 1 acre | 90,000 | 90,000 |
| Labor | - | - | 20,000 |
| Miscellaneous | - | - | 10,000 |
| Total Cost (Year 1) | - | - | 230,000 |
Projected Revenue
- Yield per tree per year: 30 – 50 fruits
- Total trees per acre: 700
- Total fruits per year: 21,000 – 35,000
- Average weight per fruit: 1.5kg
- Total yield per acre: 31,500 – 52,500 kg
- Selling price per kg (local market): Ksh 50 – 80
- Revenue per year: Ksh 1.5M – 4.2M
Profit & ROI Calculation
- Gross revenue: Ksh 1,500,000 – 4,200,000
- Net profit (after expenses): Ksh 1,310,000 – 4,010,000
- ROI: 600% – 2,000% (highly profitable!)
9. Conclusion
Pawpaw farming is a highly profitable agribusiness in Kenya with low startup costs and high returns. By choosing high-yield varieties, using proper irrigation, and targeting both local and export markets, farmers can maximize their profits.
Would you like help with sourcing seedlings or setting up irrigation for your farm?
Pawpaw Farming Guide