Kenya: Small-scale avocado growers in Taita eye export market

Published 2021년 6월 18일

Tridge summary

Farmers in Wundanyi, Taita Taveta, are starting a campaign to revitalize avocado farming as they aim to tap into the lucrative export market, especially in China. They plan to plant over 16,000 Hass avocado trees by next year, as the variety requires less water and takes three years to mature. However, they are struggling with middlemen exploiting them and are planning to form a group to consolidate their produce for the local and export markets. The local MP is supporting the project to improve livelihoods and promote diversification into other crops such as pixie oranges and timber farming.

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Original content

Farmers in Wundanyi, Taita Taveta, have launched a sustained campaign to revitalise avocado farming as they seek to tap into the lucrative and expansive export market. The farmers are shifting to avocado production as they eye the Chinese and other international markets. In April 2019, the government reached a deal with China to open up its market to Kenyan avocados. Kenya currently ships the bulk of its avocados to Europe and the Middle East. Avocado is its leading export fruit. The farmers switched to avocado after incurring huge losses growing maize because of low rains, pests, diseases low low prices in the market. The farmers are seeking to plant over 16,000 Hass avocado trees by next year, with every homestead being encouraged to take up the opportunity to tap into the export market. The Hass variety takes three years to mature and requires little water to survive and produce fruits. Josphat Mbela of the Boresha Maisha youth group, said most farmers sell their avocado ...

Source: All Africa