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In this lesson we are going to discuss about Horticultural Farming in Kenya and Netherlands

Answer Text:
Horticultural Farming in Kenya and Netherlands
Horticulture is the practice of growing fruits, vegetables and flowers for sale.
Main Features/Characteristics of Horticulture
a) Farms are generally small in size.
b) Farms are located near good transport routes due to produces perishability.
c) Farms are located mostly near urban centres close to the markets.
d) Land is intensely used to get maximum benefits.
e) Advanced scientific techniques of crop production are used e.g. selected seeds, regular spraying, application
of manure and fertilizers.
f) Most of the work is done manually.
g) The produce is market oriented (for export or local sale).
h) It’s capital intensive because a lot of farm inputs are required.
i) It involves quick and expensive modes of transport e.g. aeroplane because the produce is perishable, the mode is the quickest and the
produce is in high demand.

Factors Favouring the Development of the Industry
Kenya
a) Fertile volcanic soils which support a variety of crops.
b) Variation of climate from cool to hot with moderate to high rainfall where tropical crops such as pawpaw and pineapple are grown while in
cool areas temperate crops such as plums and pears are grown.
c) High demand for products both locally and internationally (in winter when tropical vegetables, fruits and flowers are in high demand.
d) Technical and financial assistance from friendly countries.
e) Availability of capital from large and local overseas companies e.g. Del Monte, Kakuzi, etc.
f) High labour due to high population as it is labour intensive.
g) Accessibility to the market of most growing areas through roads and air transport.
h) Government’s policy of diversification of export crops with the aim of broadening export base.
i) Well organized marketing systems managed by Horticultural Co-operative Union and Horticultural Development Authority which
help farmers to export their produce.

Netherlands/Holland
- It is a W. European country at the mouth of R. Rhine and Meuse on N. sea.
- It’s highly specialized in horticulture.

Conditions for Growth of the Industry
Physical Factors
a) Well drained and quickly warmed sandy soils of the coast which are ideal for horticultural crops.
b) Warm Gulf Stream Current which washes the coast making the area free from frost throughout the year.
c) Accessibility to foreign markets due to central position in Europe.
d) Shortage of land making it appropriate to establish horticultural farms.
Human Factors
a) Advanced technology such as the use of glass houses.
b) Good transport system easing movement of horticultural products throughout the country e.g. good harbours like Rotterdam,
canals, navigable rivers, roads and railways.
c) Skilled labour which ensures high production and quality packaging.
d) High demand in the populous urban areas of continental Europe.
e) Availability of capital as there are highly organized cooperative societies which provide loans to farmers.