(Ecofin Agency) - In Kenya, macadamia is increasingly attracting coffee producers as, spurred by Chinese demands, the nuts’ price surges on the international market.

Bloomberg reported that the farm gate price per kg of unshelled nut rose from KSh70 shillings (in December 2017) to KSh180 and, it could rise to KSh200 by the end of this year.

“Farmers are beginning to discover that this is gold. Wherever coffee is grown, macadamia also grows and farmers are now aware of the opportunity with macadamia,” said Loise Maina, from the processing plant Nawiri Agribusiness.

Indeed, the nut’s production which increased by 5% in 2017 from the 20% growth rate recorded in 2015-16, is expected to increase further in the next 4 years driven by higher yields.

To support macadamia sector’s growth, the Kenyan government should focus on regulating the sector and creating an environment favorable for private investors.

“We want the private sector to play a key role, unlike coffee, which had a lot of government involvement,” said Alfred Busolo, Head of Kenya’s agriculture, fishery, and food authority (AFFA).

According to Bloomberg, macadamia's yield is estimated at KSh7.48 billion ($75 million).

Espoir Olodo