In a notable departure from conventional cash crops, Kenyan farmers are turning to Hass avocados as a more profitable option. This shift is fuelled by the soaring international demand for avocados, notably from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Europe and China.
Regions such as Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Embu, and Meru are witnessing a boom in avocado farming. As the leading exporter of avocados in Africa, Kenya produces 191,000 tons annually, with exports reaching 51,507 tons, outstripping South Africa.
In 2023 alone, the country witnessed a 30% revenue hike from the prior year, as per the Kenya Exports Branding Agency.
Despite the enticing export prospects, Kenyan farmers face hurdles like lack of knowledge about fruit grading, fear of exploitation by exporters, and weak bargaining power over pricing. The Avocado Association of Kenya (ASK) is stepping up to address these issues, planning to introduce a code of conduct to safeguard farmers, particularly from the premature harvesting of fruits and exploitation by intermediaries.
This strategic pivot towards higher-yield crops is a prudent move by the farmers, given the anticipated surge in avocado prices in the near future.
Source: bnnbreaking.com