Nicodemus Mandere

Sugar Beet Cultivation in Kenya: an Analysis of Opportunities and Challenges Nicodemus Mandere

The sugar beet is one of the major crops besides sugarcane that is used for sugar production. The crop is often found in temperate climates. But due to the dynamics of global sugar market & need to improve farmers' livelihoods, the sugar beet experimental trials are ongoing in Kenya and other tropical countries (no commercialization yet). This book assesses the opportunities and challenges for successful sugar beet implementation in Kenya. The book focuses on the biophysical factors (diseases, precipitation, temperature, soil type & soil texture) and socio-economic factors (social acceptance, economic feasibility, and long-term sustainability). The book also presents a land suitability assessment criterion, for assessing suitable sugar beet growing regions in the tropics. This book will be a definitive work on tropical sugar beet research. The book can be a useful reference for all those who work in the sugar beet industry, scientists and students, potential investors, and policy makers.