In Kenya, avocados are known as the 'Green Gold Mine' due to their economic importance, contributing significantly to horticultural exports. This has placed Kenya among the top avocado-producing countries globally, giving competition to nations like the United States, Mexico, and Colombia. The recent Avocado Stakeholders' Forum in Nairobi brought together various players in the industry to discuss quality standards, compliance prerequisites, and the need to include small-scale farmers who are now significant contributors to avocado production and exports.
The rise of small-scale farmers in Kenya's avocado industry has led to increased production and export potential. Different regions in Kenya, such as North Rift, Nyanza, and Western Kenya, are now focusing more on avocado farming, with experts predicting a substantial growth in production volume by the end of the year. While there are great opportunities for farmers in the avocado sector, challenges such as quality assurance, standards compliance, and sustainable practices need to be addressed to ensure continued success and competitiveness.
To capitalize on the global avocado market boom, Kenya must adhere to quality standards, inclusive policies, and collaborate with various partners to connect farmers with markets and introduce best practices and technologies for production, storage, and transportation. The growth of the avocado industry not only contributes to economic revitalization but also provides health benefits to consumers and opportunities for by-products in industries like cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Despite facing challenges such as export restrictions due to immature fruits, maintaining quality assurance and inclusive policies are essential for the industry's success and competitiveness in international markets.