East African Crops Guide
Detailed growing information for major crops in the region
Maize (Corn)
Zea mays
The staple food crop for most East African countries, used for flour, animal feed, and industrial products.
Growing Conditions
- Altitude: 0-2,400m (optimal 900-1,800m)
- Rainfall: 500-1,200mm annually
- Temperature: 18-30°C
- Soil: Well-drained loamy soils (pH 5.5-7.0)
Recommended Varieties
DH04
90-100 days
H614
120-140 days
PH4
110-120 days
Beans
Phaseolus vulgaris
Important protein source grown as both a food and cash crop across the region.
Growing Conditions
- Altitude: 800-2,000m
- Rainfall: 600-1,500mm annually
- Temperature: 15-25°C
- Soil: Medium-textured soils (pH 6.0-7.5)
Recommended Varieties
Rosecoco
75-90 days
Mwitemania
70-80 days
Canadian Wonder
80-90 days
Cassava
Manihot esculenta
Drought-resistant root crop important for food security in drier regions.
Growing Conditions
- Altitude: 0-1,700m
- Rainfall: 500-1,500mm annually
- Temperature: 20-30°C
- Soil: Well-drained sandy loams (pH 5.5-6.5)
Recommended Varieties
TME14
12-18 months
Kibandameno
10-15 months
Serere
12-18 months
Coffee (Arabica)
Coffea arabica
Major cash crop grown in highland areas, particularly in Ethiopia and Kenya.
Growing Conditions
- Altitude: 1,400-2,100m
- Rainfall: 1,200-2,200mm annually
- Temperature: 15-24°C
- Soil: Volcanic red soils (pH 6.0-6.5)
Recommended Varieties
SL28
3-4 years
Ruiru 11
2-3 years
Batian
3-4 years
Tea
Camellia sinensis
Important export crop grown in high rainfall areas of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Growing Conditions
- Altitude: 1,500-2,200m
- Rainfall: 1,200-2,500mm annually
- Temperature: 13-25°C
- Soil: Deep acidic soils (pH 4.5-5.5)
Recommended Varieties
TRFK 301/4
3 years
EPK TN14-3
2.5 years
Regional Growing Tips
Kenya Highlands
Ideal for coffee, tea, and pyrethrum. Stagger planting to manage labor peaks during harvest seasons.
Tanzania Plains
Maize-bean intercropping works well. Use drought-resistant varieties in semi-arid areas.
Uganda Lowlands
Excellent for matooke (bananas) and cassava. Implement crop rotation to manage nematodes.