Tea is a perennial crop grown for its leaves, which are dried and used to brew a popular beverage. It is one of the most important cash crops in Kenya, celebrated for its quality on the international market.
Kenya is one of the world’s leading tea producers, with the crop playing a pivotal role in the national economy. Tea cultivation is a major source of income and employment, particularly in the highland regions where the climate is conducive to its growth.
Examples:
- The Kenyan highlands provide ideal conditions for tea growing, with ample rainfall, cool temperatures, and rich soil, contributing to the country’s reputation for producing high-quality tea.
- Small-scale farmers and large tea estates alike contribute to the production, with many families relying on tea farming for their livelihoods.
Sustainable tea farming practices, such as proper shade management, soil conservation, and careful water use, can improve crop yield, enhance quality, and ensure the long-term viability of the tea sector in Kenya.
Related Terms: Cash crop, Agricultural export, Smallholder farmers, Sustainable agriculture, Agroforestry
