Cash crops are plants grown for their commercial value rather than for use by the grower. These crops are primarily grown for selling in the local or international markets to earn money.
In Kenya, cash crops like tea, coffee, and horticultural products are significant for the economy, providing income for farmers and export earnings for the country. These crops can offer higher earnings than subsistence crops, but they also carry risks related to market fluctuations and climate impacts.
Examples:
- Tea and coffee plantations cover large areas of the Kenyan highlands, where they are grown for export markets.
- Flowers and vegetables are grown as cash crops in Kenya, often in controlled environments like greenhouses, and exported mainly to European markets.
Efficient production of cash crops involves good agricultural practices, market knowledge, and access to technology and finance. This can enhance profitability and sustainability, providing economic benefits to farmers and the national economy.
Related Terms: Export agriculture, Agribusiness, Market crops, Agricultural economics, Global trade
