Ms. Grace Mutai, a farmer from Aonet village in Bomet County, Kenya, transitioned from maize to avocado farming after discovering its potential in the region. Initially, she faced challenges due to limited agronomic knowledge, with only two of her first four seedlings surviving. However, she persevered, acquiring more seedlings from a certified nursery supported by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in Mulot, Narok County, all thriving.
Mutai's first harvest sold for Sh9,000, though she later encountered market difficulties, receiving Sh11,000 instead of the expected Sh50,000 due to export rejection. Despite these setbacks, she has steadily improved her practices, joined a cooperative for better market access, and now manages over 100 avocado trees on her 1.25-acre farm. She highlights the advantages of avocado farming over maize, citing fewer risks, easier management, and higher demand both locally and abroad.
Bomet's agricultural diversification aligns with the Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Project, promoting sustainable, nutrition-focused farming. The county has distributed 200,000 Hass avocado seedlings under a subsidy program, with additional seedlings provided by the national government and FLoCA. Bomet County Agriculture Chief Officer Dr. Kibet Sitienei notes collaboration with the World Bank-funded FLoCA program and WWF to expand avocado production, enhancing local economies and conservation efforts.
WWF Greater Mara Sub-Landscape Coordinator Mr. Peter Muigai emphasizes Bomet's ideal avocado-growing conditions, noting the crop's role in environmental conservation, nutrition, and income generation. The WWF supports farmers with certified seedlings and conservation initiatives. This aligns with President William Ruto's national goal to plant 15 billion trees by 2032, with technical assistance provided to farmers.
Avocado farming is expected to enhance food security and nutrition in Bomet, traditionally a tea, maize, cabbage, potato, and bean-growing region. The county encourages farmers to form Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) for training, market access, and soil conservation support. Kenya leads Africa in avocado exports, ranking 10th globally, with significant growth in 2023. Major export markets include Europe, the Middle East, and key producers like Murang'a County.
Source: NTV Kenya