Mulberry is a fast-growing perennial fruit tree that farmers in Kenya increasingly value for both fruit production and sericulture. They harvest sweet berries for fresh consumption or process them into juice, jam, wine, yoghurt, and dried products. Its leaves support silkworm rearing and strengthen silk production systems. Although full commercialisation remains limited, the crop offers strong income potential because it matures quickly and serves multiple uses. Farmers in Central Kenya, Rift Valley, Western Kenya, and parts of Eastern Kenya grow it on small and medium farms.
Varieties
Kenyan farmers mainly grow Morus alba because it adapts easily and supports both fruit and leaf production. Common local varieties include Ex-Limuru, Ex-Embu, Ex-Thika, Ex-Ithanga, S36, and Kanva-2. Ex-Thika produces large leaves that suit silkworm feeding systems. In dry areas, Ex-Embu performs well because it tolerates drought. Ex-Limuru produces many fruits but farmers rarely use it for silkworm feed. Kanva-2 grows fast and produces high biomass for both leaves and fruits. Some farmers also test Noi Ex-Thailand under irrigation for improved performance.
Climate & Soil
Mulberry grows well in warm tropical and subtropical areas. It performs best at temperatures between 20°C and 30°C. Growth slows when temperatures drop below 13°C or rise above 40°C. Good results come from areas that receive 800–2000 mm of rainfall annually. In drier zones, irrigation helps stabilize production. The crop grows well from 800 to 2,000 metres above sea level. Deep, well-drained loamy soils with good organic matter support strong growth. Soil pH between 5.5 and 7.5 works well, with best performance near 6.0–6.8. Waterlogged soils reduce growth and increase disease risk.
Propagation & Planting
Farmers propagate mulberry mainly through stem cuttings because this method is simple and reliable. Cuttings come from healthy mature shoots that are 6–8 months old. They plant them in nurseries or directly in the field when moisture levels allow. Nurseries help produce strong seedlings before transplanting. At the onset of rains, farmers transplant seedlings to reduce water stress. For spacing, fruit systems use 3 m × 3 m while leaf production systems use 1.5 m × 1.5 m. Planting holes are enriched with well-decomposed manure to support early establishment.
Field Management & Harvesting
Regular pruning helps farmers stimulate new shoots and maintain high yields. Manure and fertilizers support steady vegetative growth throughout the season. Mulching conserves soil moisture and reduces weed pressure. During dry periods, irrigation maintains production and prevents stress. Young orchards often include intercrops like legumes to improve soil fertility and generate early income.
Mulberry faces pests and diseases such as leaf spot, powdery mildew, aphids, thrips, jassids, and scale insects. Farmers manage these through sanitation, pruning, biological control, and careful pesticide use when necessary. Fencing protects farms from livestock and wildlife damage.
Harvesting begins 9–12 months after transplanting depending on management and variety. Farmers pick ripe fruits by hand to avoid bruising. Leaf harvesting involves either plucking individual leaves or cutting shoots depending on the system. Because fruits spoil quickly, farmers handle them gently and sell or process them soon after harvest.
Nutritional Value
Mulberries provide vitamin C, iron, calcium, potassium, and dietary fibre. They also contain antioxidants that support immunity and reduce oxidative stress. These nutrients improve digestion and support heart health. The leaves also supply protein and minerals that support silkworm development.
Uses & Market Potential
Fresh consumption remains the most common use of mulberries in Kenya. Farmers also process berries into juice, jam, wine, yoghurt, and dried products. Leaves support silkworm production in sericulture systems. Urban consumers and health markets drive growing demand, although awareness remains limited. Processing berries instead of selling them fresh increases farmer income. Integrated fruit and silk systems further improve profitability. As awareness grows, mulberry continues to emerge as a strong diversification crop for smallholder farmers.