Arrowroot, the rich contents crop that is changing farmers fortunes in Kirinyaga County
By Steven Mulanda
Arrowroot consumption is tremendously gaining the momentum of the day. Fondly referred to as ‘Nduma’ by Kenyans, they are tubers which were indigenously grown. The tuberous roots are usually consumed when boiled or roasted and of late have gained preference. Due to the increased lifestyle diseases, many people have turned to eating healthy, arrowroot being one of the most recommended sources of starch and fiber.
They are commonly grown in areas that have plenty of water, mostly river beds, near water reservoirs and swamps. Trenches or holes are the best ways for cultivating to allow the harnessing of water for the plant to grow without competing for vital resources. Arrowroot was previously regarded as a hard crop to grow since it required being cultivated near a river or at swampy place, however, as agriculture evolves, there are new hybrid varieties that can grow anywhere including uplands and do not need much water.
At the slopes of Kinji River valley, in Kirinyaga County, we find Wanjiku Njeru fondly referred to as ‘Shiko wa Nduma’ in the locality due to her arrowroot farming passion. She has built up a clientele base that has made her glued to her farming venture ensuring that she delivers the crop to all corners of the country to the satisfaction of many.
She narrates that 10 to 15 years ago, people in Kinji River valley which is 50 acres, her mother being one of them, were cultivating maize on large scale but with introduction of arrowroots in the area they shifted. This was after comparing the cost of growing maize visa vie the profit, they discovered that the proceeds from the sales of arrowroots were higher.
“I began serious arrowroot farming two years ago, though my mother has been doing it on large scale. I can easily confirm that I learned the ropes of the trade from her; she has been my biggest inspiration and my pillar. While pursuing my undergraduate studies at Chuka University, she allocated me a small area for my own planting to raise my pocket money,” says Wanjiku. Today she has grown from the small portion given to her to 5 acres of leased portions in Kinji River valley.
She has adopted succession planting, having arrowroots planted at different times. She has the crop at different stages of growth ensuring that harvesting is spread out accordingly. This has made her to have a continuous supply all times. She harvests 100 kilograms every week. ‘’Initially before the pandemic struck and the dusk to dawn curfew, we had a business lady who used to purchase from us and transport them to Nairobi at night. We knew with the curfew being imposed we were completely finished, thanks to social media, I posted some of my produce and the orders I received were enormous, thus how I began my own marketing and delivery services sending them mostly to Nairobi and Mombasa,” she opined.
Arrowroot, unlike other tubers contain high level of protein which aid in building the body and other tissues. In addition, the protein is used to make enzymes and hormones. It is extremely low in calories as compared to other starches like yams, potatoes, or cassava. For this reason, people trying to remain on a diet can get complex carbohydrates and a wealth of nutrients, as well as a healthy dose of dietary fiber, and eliminate the desire to snack between meals.
Dietary fiber is one of the most important contents of digestive process as it helps move food through the bowels in an efficient manner, while also stimulating the uptake of nutrients. Arrowroot also helps in reducing the effect of constipation and controlling levels of blood sugar.
In addition, arrow roots have moderate amounts of some important minerals such as copper, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium, zinc and iron. Potassium is an essential part of cells and body fluids that assist in regulation of the heart beat and blood pressure in the body.
“Arrowroot farming is a less complicated venture, for instance, they don’t require spraying, and they are also hardly invaded by pests. However, the only challenge I have experienced, especially with water, too much of it spoils the crop while too little hinders proper development. It is also economical to farm arrowroots because you only need manure as the main input, no fertilizers nor pesticides and they mature after 6 months,” she said.
