Production Of Kenaf and other Soft Fibres in Kenya

Abstract

Soft fibres (ie jute and jute substitutes) are at present imported into Kenya for the manufacture of bags. It is reckoned that by 1970 annual imports will be about 6,000 tons (worth L500, 000). For some time attempts have been made to grow soft fibres in this country. Of the various plants available, kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) has been the most promising but even this crop has failed to be an economic success. The principal reason for this has been the short days here which induce early flowering and hence lower yield. The introduction of a photoinsensitive variety (Guatemala 4= G4) has transformed the situation. It has now been conclusively demonstrated that reasonable yields of kenaf can be produced in this country and that it is a feasible crop. Soft fibres are now a recommended crop for the Tana Basin Irrigation Scheme. This article is intended to deal with the growing and processing of kenaf and to give an account of the progress that has been made so far in Kenya with kenaf and other soft fibre crops. The word" kenaf" is sometimes used to refer to other species but in this article it refers solely to Hibiscus can-