Chillies (pilipili) Farming in Kenya - Opportunity

Hey!
It's cool time in my place again. I've been doing some research on
farming opportunities in Kenya. Having read articles and meeting some
farmers, i have realised chilly farming has been unexploited
agricultural venture.
Major names given to chilies in my hood:
1. Pilipili - kiswahili name.
2. Pepper - English name.
3. Gurnet - one of the most bitter which takes the shape of Gurnet weapon.
4. Risasi
There is an opportunity in chillies (pilipili), there are so many
buyers out there,exportersand our dear brokers. The question is, do we
as farmers apprehend the opportunity? What are the yields per unit
area be it per acre? which varieties do the buyers/ exporters want? In
what quantities, frequency and quality? Lets discuss openly and
explore the juice in this....
I'm not saying there are no other people in the business.
One of my favourite person in the industry is Margaret Komen of
Macefoods Limited.
Mace Foodsis a private limited company as incorporated in Kenya in
January 2002. The funding shareholders want to balance commercial
(profitability) objectives with a development contribution to the
country.
Mace Foods is Fair Trade certified (WFTO) and since inception follows
a clear Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy, in particular
gender issues. The headquarters with factory and offices is based in
Eldoret, Rift Valley, Kenya at the equator.
*.1,600 contract small-scale farmers in Western Kenya and around Lake Victoria
*.Expansion of own land production to 200 hectares in 2013
*.Main markets: Germany, Italy, UK, Netherlands und USA
*.16 employees, thereof agronomist and food technologists
*.Up to 75 factory workers in the peak harvest period
*.Continuous production over the whole year with two peaks.
Chillies are less prone to diseases.
Local market is very good.
Export is a bit tricky because of MRL issues.
The best Chillies in Kenya for now are Bandai (Bird Eye) and the
Bullest (Freshno) which make very nice varieties.
There are very few challenges in growing chillies. The more you are
organized the more successful you are.
Next time