Banana farmers in Taveta County are enjoying newfound prosperity following the introduction of a modern value chain model that has transformed the once-struggling banana subsector into a thriving agribusiness.
For years, farmers in the region suffered from unreliable markets, low prices, and poor infrastructure, leading to widespread losses and abandonment of banana farms. Many families could barely sustain their livelihoods as middlemen exploited them and productivity fell due to disease-prone traditional varieties.
This trend has changed dramatically under a five-year market development programme that introduced sustainable, inclusive, and climate-smart farming practices. The initiative provided farmers with over 470,000 certified tissue culture seedlings, mainly of the high-yielding Grand Nain variety, alongside affordable credit options and extensive training on good agricultural practices.
As a result, banana yields have increased by 27 per cent, while post-harvest losses have plummeted by 85 per cent. Farmers’ monthly incomes have risen from an average of KSh 22,900 to KSh 30,800, with annual net earnings from banana sales jumping by 62 per cent. Those who adopted intercropping with maize, beans, and vegetables reported an additional 45 per cent rise in total income.
A major milestone has been the establishment of Africa’s first organic banana cooperative in Taveta, which has earned international certification and secured a premium export deal running until 2034. The cooperative now supplies thousands of tons of organic bananas to Europe, where demand for organic produce continues to grow.
The Taita Taveta Banana Cooperative has also expanded its aggregation capacity, linking nearly 2,200 farmers to reliable commercial buyers and generating hundreds of new jobs, particularly for women and youth.
Beyond economic gains, the programme has enhanced environmental sustainability. Farmers have planted over 240,000 trees under agroforestry systems, adopted mulching, and invested in composting to convert waste into organic fertilizer. Private partners have also introduced circular economy innovations such as banana trunk fibre extraction and eco-packaging to ensure zero waste.
Through the success of this initiative, Taveta has emerged as Kenya’s leading organic banana hub, offering a powerful example of how value chain transformation can uplift rural communities, promote environmental stewardship, and secure sustainable livelihoods for generations to come.
