Overview

Citrus is an important food and cash crop, particularly in Kenya’s eastern and coastal growing areas. Once established, well-managed citrus trees can produce fruit for many years, providing households with nutritious food and opportunities to generate income from local and regional markets.

FIPS supports farmers in establishing productive orchards by improving access to healthy, high-quality grafted seedlings of suitable varieties. Farmers also receive support with orchard establishment, soil fertility and water management, tree care, and the prevention and management of pests and diseases to improve fruit quality and yields.

Support Farmers Receive from VBAs

Selecting citrus species and varieties suited to local growing conditions, water availability, and market demand.
Accessing healthy, high-quality grafted seedlings from reliable nurseries and suppliers.
Establishing orchards correctly through appropriate site selection, land preparation, spacing, planting, and early tree care.
Improving soil fertility and nutrient management to support healthy tree growth and fruit production.
Managing water efficiently, conserving soil moisture, and providing irrigation where required.
Pruning and managing trees to maintain healthy, productive orchards and good-quality fruit.
Identifying, preventing, and managing common citrus pests and diseases.
Using crop-protection products safely and responsibly where necessary.
Harvesting and handling fruit at the right stage to maintain quality and reduce post-harvest losses.
Accessing market information and building links with reliable buyers.

Pro-Tip

Citrus greening disease (HLB), spread by the citrus psyllid, can devastate an orchard within five years of infection. Early detection and management of psyllid populations — a key VBA service — is the only effective strategy for protecting a long-term orchard investment.

Farmer Voice

"Ten years ago, I planted twenty orange trees. Today, they give me a steady harvest every year, even during dry spells when maize fails. After our FIPS VBA taught me how to manage fruit flies, I started selling premium-quality fruit to Nairobi supermarkets. These trees are my pension."

Moses Mutinda

Farmer, Machakos County

Why FIPS exists

Transforming lives and systems

Success measures

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Citrus

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