What grows in Nkeyema
Western, Zambia
The 2026/27 season in Nkeyema
| Rainy seasons | One each year — one chance to plant, so timing carries it |
|---|---|
| When the rains are expected | November 2026 to April 2027 |
| Rain in a typical year | About 853 mm |
| This season's rain | Leaning dry — January, February and December look short of rain. Plant at the early end of the window, favour quicker and more drought-tolerant crops, and keep moisture in the soil: mulch, and weed early. |
| This season's heat | Hotter than usual — about +1.6 °C over the growing months. Heat makes the same rain do less, so a dry spell bites sooner: do not plant late, and shade or mulch what you can. |
| What that supports | enough rain for one short crop, and only if timed to it, warm all year, so nothing but rain ends the season |
| Ground this covers | One kind of ground throughout. |
last updated 16 September 2026
What grows in Nkeyema
-
Bambara groundnutFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Finger milletFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
FonioFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
LablabFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MaizeFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 6.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 9.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
MangoFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Pearl milletFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026 · about 3.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SorghumFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 4 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 4.6 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SoybeanFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TobaccoFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 1 May 2026 – 10 Feb 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African eggplantFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Common beanFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CowpeaFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 2.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Green gramFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 2.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
PapayaFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 44.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
PumpkinFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
SunflowerFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 3.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TomatoFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 64.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WatermelonFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 13 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
African nightshadeFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 14 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 30 Jun 2026 – 1 May 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
AmaranthFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 27.8 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CarrotFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Jute mallowFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
MoringaFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 16 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 33.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
OkraFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
OnionFavourable
Plant 6 Nov 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (lime) -
CucumberFavourablePlant 15 Nov 2026 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 6 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 10 Jun 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Irish potatoFavourablePlant 16 Nov 2026 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
· about 41.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Spider plantFavourablePlant 16 Nov 2026 – 4 Feb 2027 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 9.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 11 Apr 2027 · about 13.9 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Sweet potatoFavourablePlant 16 Nov 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 7 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
· about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Niger seedFavourablePlant 25 Nov 2026 – 24 Jan 2027 opens in 8 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.0 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 7 Dec 2026 – 30 Jun 2027
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
BeetrootFavourablePlant 24 Jan 2027 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 16 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
RoselleFavourablePlant 16 Oct 2026 – 25 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.1 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 7 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
EggplantFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
ChilliFavourablePlant 26 Oct 2026 – 25 Nov 2026 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 13.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 21 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
KaleFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 8 Oct 2026 – 29 Aug 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
Sweet pepperFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 15 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 7 Dec 2026 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 37.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
Swiss chardFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 25 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 32.4 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 46.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
SesameFavourablePlant 15 Oct 2026 – 4 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
Egusi melonFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 26 Dec 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 29 Aug 2026 – 27 Dec 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GroundnutFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 16 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 2.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 3.3 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
GuavaFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.3 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 35.0 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable -
Passion fruitFavourablePlant 5 Nov 2026 – 3 Feb 2027 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 15.8 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 23.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
RiceFavourablePlant 6 Nov 2026 – 6 Dec 2026 opens in 5 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 · about 6.1 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
WheatFavourablePlant 25 Dec 2026 – 14 Jan 2027 opens in 12 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 2 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 · about 6.5 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LettuceFavourablePlant 3 Feb 2027 – 23 Feb 2027 opens in 18 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.5 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 · about 32.4 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CottonFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 6 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.9 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 20 Jul 2026 – 28 Oct 2026 · about 3.7 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
Pigeon peaFavourablePlant 17 Oct 2026 – 6 Nov 2026 opens in 2 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 1.6 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 9 Aug 2026 – 8 Oct 2026
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
CashewFavourablePlant 27 Oct 2026 – 24 Feb 2027 opens in 4 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 0.7 t/ha expected
Irrigated: plant 22 Mar 2027 – 9 Aug 2027 · about 1.2 t/ha
Pest/disease risk — manageable
Rain-fed. These dates are worked out from each place's own rainfall, for a field watered by the season — with irrigation a window can open earlier, close later, or come round more than once a year. Check your own field under What grows, or get the Divisi app for a calendar dated to your farm.
What grows in Nkeyema with irrigation
These need water applied — rain alone will not carry them here. The dates are the windows their own water supply allows.
-
GrapefruitFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LemonFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
Sweet orangeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 37.1 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
LimeFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2026 – 2 Mar 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Soil pH below the crop's optimum -
AvocadoFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2026 – 10 Feb 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
MandarinFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 28.3 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum -
TeffFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 20 Jul 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
ChickpeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Jun 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 36 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 3.0 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
TurmericFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 29 Aug 2026 – 9 Aug 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 27.8 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
YamFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Jun 2026 – 8 Oct 2026 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 23.2 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
BananaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 11 Apr 2027 – 1 May 2027 opens in 27 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 54.6 t/ha expected
Soil pH below the crop's optimum -
TeaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 29 Aug 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 4.0 t/ha expected
Soil pH outside the crop's rangeCorrect soil pH (acidifier)Correctable with liming -
GarlicFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 2 Mar 2027 – 21 May 2027 opens in 22 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 16.7 t/ha expected
Soil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
GingerFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.8 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumLate-maturing — drought risk -
CabbageFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 22 Mar 2027 – 30 Jun 2027 opens in 25 weeks
matched to this season's forecast
about 48.6 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimumEarly-maturing — escapes late drought -
CassavaFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 22.5 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
TaroFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 10 Jun 2026 – 21 May 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 18.3 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableLate-maturing — drought risk -
SugarcaneFavourable Needs irrigationPlant 21 Jan 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 open now
matched to this season's forecast
about 63.7 t/ha expected
Pest/disease risk — manageableSoil pH below the crop's optimum
What Divisi would not plant in Nkeyema
Every crop in the catalogue is scored against this district, not only the ones that work — so the list above is a decision rather than a shortlist. These are the rest, with what ruled each one out.
- Grapefruit Moderate — Water
- Lemon Moderate — Water
- Lime Moderate — Water
- Mandarin Moderate — Water
- Sweet orange Moderate — Water
- Cassava Moderate — Water
- Yam Moderate — Water
- Avocado Unsuitable — Water
- Banana Unsuitable — Water
- Cabbage Unsuitable — Temperature
- Chickpea Unsuitable — Temperature
- Cocoa Unsuitable
- Coconut Unsuitable
- Taro Unsuitable
- Arabica coffee Unsuitable — Water
- Robusta coffee Unsuitable
- Enset Unsuitable — Water
- Garlic Unsuitable — Temperature
- Ginger Unsuitable — Water
- Oil palm Unsuitable
- Pineapple Unsuitable — Water
- Sugarcane Unsuitable — Water
- Tea Unsuitable — Water
- Teff Unsuitable — Temperature
- Turmeric Unsuitable — Water
Divisi scored 74 crops against this district's own ground; 25 came back without a sowing date.
Plan the season, not just check it
The crops and dates above are read at cells spread across Nkeyema, and the map colours which kind of ground each part of it is. Your own soil, slope and rainfall will shift the dates — the Divisi app works them out for your field, and dates each job that follows.
Or check your field firstWhat changed in Nkeyema
- 2 September 2026 Pumpkin Butternut — Suitability class changed, now rates Favourable
- 2 September 2026 Cashew — Limiting factor changed
- 2 September 2026 Cashew — Suitability class changed, now rates Favourable
- 2 September 2026 Maize — Suitability class changed, now rates Favourable
- 2 September 2026 Papaya — Limiting factor changed
This calendar moves
Planting windows shift with the forecast. Leave your email and we'll send what changed, and a note when planting time nears — a couple of emails a month at most.
Support and extension
- Farmer Input Support Programme
- Sustainable Agriculture Financing Facility
- Department of Agriculture
- Seed Control and Certification Institute
- Zambia Agriculture Research Institute
Frequently asked questions
What crops grow well in Nkeyema?
Bambara groundnut, Finger millet, Fonio, Lablab, Maize all rate well in Nkeyema — scored against its own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average.
When should I plant Bambara groundnut in Nkeyema?
In Nkeyema the window for Bambara groundnut runs 16 Oct 2026 to 25 Dec 2026.
Is there a farming app that works in Nkeyema?
Divisi does. It reads Nkeyema's own rainfall, soil and terrain rather than a national average, so the planting dates and crop shortlist on this page are the same ones the app works out for a field here — then dates each job for that field, and keeps working with no signal.
Is this exact for my own field?
No — these are readings taken across Nkeyema, not on your field. Soil, slope and rainfall change from one farm to the next. Check your own location to see your own numbers.