Kiwifruit farming in Nigeria continues to evolve

The early 20th century saw the initiation of kiwifruit cultivation in Nigeria, a venture spearheaded by adventurous horticulturists. The kiwifruit, originally from China and later grown in New Zealand, arrived in Nigeria via global trade and the endeavors of pioneers aiming to diversify Nigeria’s agriculture. Early attempts to grow kiwifruit in the 1920s were met with numerous challenges due to the fruit’s preference for temperate climates. However, determined farmers persisted, experimenting with different regions and altitudes to find suitable locations for kiwifruit orchards. “The 1950s saw a breakthrough when agricultural experts developed hybrid kiwifruit varieties adapted to Nigeria’s warmer climate.” This facilitated the establishment of commercial kiwifruit farms and in the 1970s, the government began initiatives to encourage kiwifruit farming, recognizing its economic potential. By the 1990s, the export of Nigerian kiwifruit surged as the fruit gained popularity in ...