Abstract:
Mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruit is produced and consumed globally, regionally, and locally. The fruit is a
potential source of essential nutrients including potassium, phosphorous, magnesium and is an excellent source
of vitamin A and C. Mangoes can also be sold to earn income. Kitui County is among the leading Counties in
mango production with smallholder farmers concentrating on local varieties which are fibrous and of little
market value. This study was conducted at Matinyani Division of Kitui County to investigate mango varieties
grown and income generated by smallholder mango farmers in Matinyani Division. A sample of 120 mango
farmers was studied and simple random sampling technique was used to select respondents. Primary data was
obtained by use of questionnaires while secondary data was obtained by review of relevant literature. Data
collected was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 20.0 of year 2009.The
results revealed that in Matinyani Division both local and grafted mangoes were grown. The local mangoes
grown included: Ngowe, Dodo and Boribo with majority of the farmers growing Ngowe mango. Varieties of
grafted mangoes grown included: Apple, Kent, and Tommy with majority of the farmers growing Apple
mangoes. On income generation, the study revealed that, farmers earned KES 1,000 to KES 15,000 per annum
from sale of local mangoes with majority earning KES 1,000 to KES 5,000. On the other hand, farmers earned
KES 1,000 to KES 20,000 per annum from sale of grafted mangoes with majority earning KES 6,000 to KES
9,000.The study concludes that, grafted mango farming is essential in enhancing livelihoods of smallholder
mango farmers and recommends farmers to be sensitized to increase growth of grafted mango varieties.
