Forms of Agriculture Practiced in Meru County, Kenya
1. Mixed Crop-Livestock Farming
- Combines crop cultivation with livestock rearing.
- Main crops include: tea, coffee, maize, beans, bananas, and vegetables.
- Livestock: cattle, goats, sheep, and poultry.
2. Cash Crop Farming
- Focuses on growing crops primarily for sale.
- Major cash crops: tea, coffee, miraa (khat), and flowers.
3. Subsistence Farming
- Practices farming mainly for self-consumption and local trade.
- Grown crops: maize, beans, sweet potatoes, vegetables, and fruits.
4. Dairy Farming
- Concentrates on milk production for commercial purposes.
- Dairy breeds: Friesian, Ayrshire, and Jersey.
5. Poultry Farming
- Raises chicken, turkeys, and ducks for meat and eggs.
- Commercial and backyard operations.
6. Horticulture
- Involves the cultivation of high-value crops such as:
- Vegetables: tomatoes, onions, capsicum, broccoli, cauliflower
- Fruits: strawberries, avocados, mangoes, pineapples
7. Agroforestry
- Integrates trees and agricultural crops on the same land.
- Benefits include: soil conservation, improved soil fertility, and additional income from timber and other tree products.
8. Fish Farming
- Involves the raising of fish in controlled environments, such as ponds or cages.
- Main species: tilapia, catfish, and trout.
9. Beekeeping
- Keeping bees for honey production and pollination services.
- Provides income and contributes to crop productivity.
10. Irrigation Farming
- Uses water from rivers, dams, or boreholes to irrigate crops.
- Allows for increased productivity and diversification of crops grown.