Kenya has been working tirelessly to grab a bigger piece of the market share. To scale up production, the country is eyeing the western and Nyanza regions, which have high growth potential. 

Kalro is banking on the favorable weather and land availability in the region, which can be utilized for avocado production. Robert Musyoki, Kalro Director of Seeds, expressed confidence in the initiative, saying that if successful, it will be a major boost to Kenya's avocado production.

BAFA is promoting avocado farming in western Kenya

The Bungoma Avocado Farmers Association (BAFA) has already launched a five-year strategic plan intending to increase avocado production in western Kenya.

John Ndengwa, the organization's chairman, has urged farmers to consider venturing into avocado farming to help meet the growing market demand for the fruit. He said that BAFA is partnering with the County Government of Bungoma and other organizations to enlist 30,000 farmers and onboard them in avocado production.

Check out this article on Hass-avocado Farming: Suitable Counties in Kenya

He emphasized the favorable climate and said that they are partnering with KEPHIS to increase production. Since avocado farming can also be done on small pieces of land, the idea aims to promote small-scale farmers into agribusiness.

During the launch of an aggregated industry park at Sang’alo by the government in Bungoma, Ndengwa said that the launch is a big win for the region as it will promote value addition and boost the processing of avocado products for export. This translates to an extra income for the farmers.

Farmers in other regions, such as Central Kenya and the Rift Valley, have already embraced commercial avocado production on a large scale. As of 2021, Kenya ranked at position 15 in the list of the biggest avocado-producing countries. Currently, the country tops Africa as Mexico takes the lead globally.

In 2020 alone, Kenya was ranked as the 6th largest producer, behind Mexico, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Peru, and Indonesia.

Western and Nyanza have a competitive advantage

Kalro Director emphasized that farmers in the region have a competitive advantage as they are served by two airports at Eldoret and Kisumu. This means they can deliver good quality fruits at the right time.

He argues that avocado production has been increasing steadily in the past 10 years. In 2011, the country was producing 149 metric tonnes. As of 2022, the number had risen to 322 metric tonnes, showing there has been a 116% growth in production volumes.

Ndengwa confirmed that they have started primary cooperatives in Bungoma where farmers can get seedlings at a subsidized price. Besides, BAFA has developed integrated pest management systems as a way of promoting avocado production in the region.

County government supporting the moves

David Shivonje, Bungoma County horticultural crops development officer, urges farmers to take avocado farming as an agribusiness and says that the crop is at the frontline in export markets. He said that the county is looking at the avocado value chain and aims to train the key actors in the value chain.

The avocado market has been expanding each year. There are European markets that import huge volumes each year. The Chinese market is growing, fueling the demand even higher. Then enters a new player, the Indian market.

KEPHIS says the number of exporters licensed to access Chinese markets has risen to 78. In the 3 months to May, Kenyan avocado exports to China hit Sh9 billion.

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