Avocado farming has taken Kenya by storm in the past few years. The latest data indicates that Kenya’s avocado production has been increasing significantly over the past decade. In 2018, the country produced approximately 233,000 tonnes of avocados. However, Kenya increased its total avocado production to 416,000 metric tonnes, making it the 6th largest producer of avocados globally.In the process, Kenya surpassed other top avocado producers, such as Brazil and Chile. With the government’s efforts to support farming, the country is set to increase its avocado production in the coming years. It would not be surprising to see the country become the top avocado producer worldwide before 2030.
Kenya’s success story
The increased avocado production has come with massive economic benefits for the country. Many Kenyans are reaping big from the export of Avocado. In 2022, the total value of the country’s avocado exports amounted to ksh15.15 billion ($106 million). China is the largest market for the Kenyan avocado. Between March and May of 2023, the country’s earnings from avocado exports to China was Sh9 billion ($63 million). The country also exported another Sh7 billion ($42 million). It is apparent the fruit is having a significant impact on the Kenyan economy.
The success story of avocado farming in the country appears to be just beginning. The Kenyan government is planning to expand the annual avocado exports to over $160 million (23 billion) over the next few years, thanks to recent support from the US government. With the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAid), the Kenyan government is planning to expand avocado production in Western Kenya. The move is a transformative one as it will allow the country to supply the global market when the produce from South American countries is off-season.
There are a myriad of factors contributing to this success. First, the government has embarked on getting many farmers to venture into avocado farming. Specifically, the national government, in partnership with county governments, has provided millions of Hass avocado seedlings to farmers.As a result, the country has experienced a significant rise in the number of smallholder avocado farmers. Second, the government has offered farmers the technical support needed to maximize production. Third, the government has also established policies to guide avocado production, processing, and export. For instance, the national government has been educating farmers to ensure they meet the global market standards.
Global trends
The strong global demand for avocados is the main driver of this growth. The avocado market value globally in 2022 was at nearly 10 billion U.S. dollars and is projected to expand to more than 19 billion dollars by 2026. China and Europe are key destinations for Kenya’s avocado.
Previously, approximately 60% of Kenya’s avocado exports have been directed to the EU market. However, the trend has changed as the country has gained access to the China avocado market. China has a huge market potential for avocados from Kenya and other African countries, given its over 1.4 billion population. Other markets for the Kenyan avocado include Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and UAE. Kenya has set out plans to start exporting avocados to India and Malaysia.
Increased avocado consumption due to health benefits
The rise in the global consumption of avocado is largely driven by the health benefits associated with the fruit. Interestingly, the COVID-19 pandemic was a blessing in disguise for avocado-producing countries. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, many people across the globe have become aware of the importance of healthy eating. As a result, avocados have become entrenched in the shopping baskets for most families.
But is there any truth behind the claimed health benefits of avocado? Avocados are packed full of minerals, vitamins, healthy fats, fiber, antioxidants, and other nutrients. Thus, avocado consumption lays a good foundation for improved health and disease prevention. A recent study in the US has revealed that the replacement of fat-containing foods with avocado reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.European countries have the highest number of people who emphasize healthy eating for personal health and fitness. Moreover, Asian countries are projected to have the largest annual growth of plant-based food and beverages. It’s not surprising that avocado consumption is increasing dramatically globally, as research demonstrates the benefits of avocado consumption.
Key Challenges
While Kenya’s success story is a captivating one, it is important to acknowledge the journey has been characterized by challenges. Here are some of the challenges that Kenya has faced over the past years.
Quality issues
The high international prices of avocados have compelled some smallholder farmers to harvest immature fruits. The increased smallholder farmers’ participation in avocado farming has led to poor quality control. Kenya’s reputation in the international avocado markets has been complicated by quality problems due to the harvesting of immature fruits.
Pest and Disease Control
The avocado tree is vulnerable to multiple diseases and pests. Common avocado tree diseases include root rot, anthracnose, scab, fruit rot, and cankers. The fruits are susceptible to various pests, including scales, thrips, and aphids. Lack of proper control of pests and disease reduces the overall yield and quality of the fruit.
Market challenges
The international avocado market is highly competitive, given the supply of high-quality fruits from other avocado-producing countries. Kenya’s peak season for Hass avocados is between March and October, which coincides with the South American harvest season. The prices of avocados can fluctuate during the peak export season.
Climate change
Climate change has adversely affected Kenya’s avocado industry. Inadequate rainfall and unpredictable weather patterns contribute to low yields.
Limited access to finance
Smallholder farmers often struggle to access adequate financial resources to support avocado production. The issue disproportionately affects youth, who encounter other challenges such as inadequate skills and unemployment.
What’s the future for Kenya?
Despite the multiple challenges, Kenya’s avocado industry is projected to grow rapidly in the coming decade. Avocado farmers will continue to reap big fruit as global avocado consumption increases in the Asian and European markets. However, the global markets are set to become increasingly competitive as Latin American countries plan to boost the production of Hass avocados. It is essential for Kenya to open new markets. China, Japan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, South Korea, and other Asian countries have huge market potential.
To compete in global markets, Kenya must implement stringent measures to control avocado production and exports. The government must ensure the quality of the fruit is on par with other competing avocado countries. Improved quality helps to build and protect the reputation of Kenya’s avocados across the world.
Quality control is best achieved through support for the farmers. Smallholder farmers should receive government-backed training programs about avocado cultivation techniques, pest and disease control, and the best harvesting time. Establishing groups for smallholder farmers is also needed to ensure every farmer has access to information about the right cultivation techniques.
Lastly, Kenya’s avocado industry needs efficient logistics for greater sustainability. The Kenyan government must increase its investment in infrastructure to help avocado farmers and exporters overcome logistical barriers. Key infrastructures that would favor the avocado industry include roads and storage facilities.
Lessons for Other African Countries
While Kenya’s tremendous success in avocado farming is inspiring, it is important to recognize that each African nation has its unique opportunities and challenges. Here are the key lessons that other African countries can garner from Kenya’s avocado industry.
Government Support
Governments across the African continent must actively incentivize avocado farming. Specifically, governments must implement policies that support avocado farmers. Critical infrastructure such as roads and irrigation are needed for African countries to fully benefit from avocado farming.
Investment in quality seeds and farmers’ training
For countries to emulate the success of Kenya’s avocado industry, it is vital to provide farmers with high-quality seedlings. Furthermore, governments must train farmers on modern farming practices. Quality seedlings and good farming techniques can tremendously impact quality and yield.
Building international market connections
Developing powerful global market connections is critical. African nations should find export opportunities and focus on meeting international quality standards, including phytosanitary requirements, to access premium markets such as Europe and China.
Sustainable farming practices
It is vital for governments to promote sustainable agricultural practices to ensure that land fertility and productivity are retained for future generations. Organic farming practices, soil health, and water conservation are vital parts of sustainability.
Research and innovation
African governments should invest in research and innovation to spearhead avocado farming. Developing drought-tolerant and disease-resistant crops is essential for the sector’s long-term success.
Conclusion
Kenya’s avocado sector is one of the examples of the promising transformation happening in Africa’s farmlands. Agriculture remains one of the fundamental pillars of the African economy. Kenya’s success in the avocado industry underscores the high potential of agriculture to spur economic growth, create employment opportunities, and enhance livelihoods across the continent. There is a need for governments to implement strategies to support avocado farms and improve productivity.
