Aerial yams (Dioscorea bulbifera), commonly known as hanging yams, are rapidly gaining popularity among farmers in Central Kenya due to their numerous health benefits, high yield potential, and resistance to pests and diseases. This herbaceous, perennial plant, characterized by long climbing vines that can extend up to 65 feet, is becoming an attractive option for smallholder farmers seeking to diversify their crops and income sources.
The crop’s ability to be intercropped with vegetables like beans, spinach, kales, and herbs makes it ideal for maximizing land use. This versatility not only ensures better food security but also increases overall yields and profits for farmers. Furthermore, aerial yams are low-maintenance and rejuvenate themselves for years once planted, making them suitable for long-term cultivation without constant replanting.
One enthusiastic farmer from Mathioya in Murang’a County has become a local champion of aerial yam farming. After abandoning coffee farming in 2009, he ventured into growing aerial yams and has since built a thriving enterprise. Starting with just one yam obtained from a friend, he propagated the crop and shared the surplus with neighbors. The demand soon outgrew his initial supply, prompting him to commercialize the venture.
Over the years, he has gained nationwide recognition, participating in agricultural exhibitions and offering guidance to fellow farmers interested in adopting aerial yam farming. The crop’s adaptability to different climatic conditions especially cooler to warmer temperatures ranging between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius has made it a viable option across many regions. While the yams require consistent rainfall, they can still thrive in areas with limited rainfall if watered at least twice a week.
Planting involves using containers filled with a soil-manure mix, which are then buried in 2 by 2-foot holes. This method not only supports healthy growth but also protects the plant from mole damage, a known threat to the yam’s root system. The first harvest is ready in just five months, and with proper support structures for the climbing vines, the plant can continue to yield for several seasons.
Though resilient, the aerial yam is vulnerable to aphids. To maintain organic farming practices, the farmer recommends the use of rabbit urine as a natural repellent. He emphasizes minimizing the use of synthetic fertilizers to preserve soil health and reduce acidity. As such, he advises farmers to consider rearing rabbits alongside yam farming for a sustainable, integrated farming system.
On his eighth-acre farm, he maintains around 100 yam stems, each producing up to 20 kilograms of yams. A 20-kilogram bucket sells for between Sh6,000 to Sh8,000, demonstrating the crop’s significant earning potential. Seedlings are also in high demand, with each selling at Sh300. After harvesting, the yams are stored in a cool, dry, and dark room for 6 to 8 weeks to allow for sprouting before replanting.
Looking ahead, he is exploring value addition by processing aerial yams into flour, which would enhance shelf life and open up additional revenue streams. Besides being a profitable crop, aerial yams are rich in essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron, making them a valuable nutritional food source.
He encourages more farmers to adopt aerial yam farming not only as a means of improving household incomes but also as a way to promote indigenous, nutrient-rich foods that contribute to healthier lifestyles. With its adaptability, high returns, and environmental sustainability, aerial yam farming is poised to become a key player in Kenya’s agricultural future.
