Mango farming
We helped provide women with better-quality mango stocks that ripen and fruit at different times of year.
The population density of mango trees in Kitui in eastern Kenya is greater than anywhere else in the country.
But, as local mangoes are small and of poor quality, farmers often find it difficult to make a profit from them.
As the trees fruit at the same time of year, farmers are left with little option but to sell all their mangoes at market at the same time. This results in lower prices and wastage. Many unsold mangoes are left to rot.
Mountains of mangoes
Our project, funded by our innovative Maendeleo Agricultural Enterprise Fund, supported female farmers by:
- providing better-quality mango stocks that ripen and fruit at different times of year
- encouraging farmers to form associations so they can sell collectively and receive higher prices at market
- investing in a mango juice plant
- establishing links with fruit-processing companies.
We aimed to help women farmers earn enough to afford medical care and school costs, and build up savings to invest in their families' futures.
