Avocado has emerged as a significant agricultural export and means of sustenance for numerous small-scale producers in East Africa. Avocado production has experienced notable growth in the region, specifically in countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The region's wide range of climatic conditions, encompassing both cool highland areas and warmer coastal parts, create favourable conditions for producing the fruit.
Various stakeholders in East Africa contribute to the production, processing, and marketing of avocados. These include smallholder farmers who form the backbone of avocado farming in the region, as well as medium- and large-scale commercial producers. Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) play a vital role, particularly in the processing and marketing segments of the value chain. In the East African avocado value chain, MSMEs play a critical role in adding value, creating employment opportunities and facilitating market access for smallholder farmers. Their involvement helps bridge the gap between production and consumption, ultimately fostering economic growth and rural development in the region.
A growing emphasis on sustainability in recent years, particularly in Europe, has led to a re-evaluation of value chains in developing countries and a shift towards adopting sustainable practices. Considering the pressing issues of climate change, soil degradation and economic inequities, Africa is confronted with unprecedented challenges in the entire agricultural sector which affect avocado farming. As such, it is imperative that conventional practices within the avocado value chain undergo a transformation to protect the livelihoods of those who rely on them.
This necessitates a shift towards more sustainable production practices throughout the avocado value chain by transitioning from conventional farming methods to more sustainable agricultural practices that prioritize environmental conservation, soil health, and biodiversity. This may involve reducing the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, adopting integrated pest management approaches, promoting organic farming practices, and implementing agroecological principles. The imperative of sustainability has transitioned from being a mere choice to becoming an essential requirement for all East African avocado farmers, particularly those who want to access the European market.
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Source: .sei.org