Nyandarua shifts from plum to apple farming amid climate change challenges

The changing climate has significantly impacted plum farming in Nyandarua County, Kenya, leading to a noticeable decline in the industry. This shift has not only affected the agricultural landscape but also the local economy, with the plum industry previously injecting approximately Sh150 million (US$ 1,048,951) annually and supporting over 5,000 smallholder farmers. The scarcity of plums, a vital source of nutrition including vitamins A, C, and K, poses a risk to health and nutrition, particularly affecting young children and breastfeeding mothers.

Unseasonable weather conditions, characterized by unexpected rains and cold spells, have disrupted the flowering period of plum trees, leading to reduced yields and, in some cases, total crop failure. This has had a profound economic impact, with plum prices at the Nyahururu open market rising sharply, turning a once-accessible fruit into a luxury item. The situation has also led to a decrease in business for the local hospitality industry during what was traditionally the plum harvest season.

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