Kenya's avocado industry is navigating a growth phase, reshaping the economic framework for smallholder farmers amid rising global demand. In 2024, avocado exports yielded $159 million, marking an 11% rise from the prior year. Kenya ranks as the sixth-largest avocado producer globally. Despite a production decline from 633,000 metric tons in 2023 to 562,000 metric tons in 2024 due to adverse weather, the USDA predicts a recovery to 585,000 metric tons in 2025.
This anticipated recovery is attributed to improved agricultural methods and expanded cultivation. The shift from traditional cash crops like tea and coffee to avocados is evident as farmers pursue higher profitability. Smallholder farmers, representing 70% of Kenya's 966,000 avocado growers, are notably impacted. Government initiatives support these farmers with quality seedlings, training, and subsidized inputs.
Murang'a County leads this agricultural shift, contributing 32% to the national avocado production value. Cooperative societies in the region facilitate direct links between farmers and exporters, ensuring compliance with international quality standards. Kisii County, with its favorable climate, has become a key hub for Hass avocado production. Consistent rainfall supports the integration of avocado cultivation into existing practices.
Increased avocado earnings are reinvested into sectors like education and healthcare, enhancing community living standards. Nakuru County benefits from improved infrastructure and market access, boosting avocado farming. Diverse agro-climatic zones enable year-round production, reinforcing its role in the national supply chain.
Counties such as Nyeri, Kiambu, Trans Nzoia, Kirinyaga, Nyamira, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Meru, and Embu also contribute to Kenya's avocado output, leveraging climatic advantages. Export markets in Europe and the Middle East are key targets, with the Netherlands accounting for 32% of 2024 exports. Modern agricultural techniques are being adopted to meet demand, despite challenges like climate variability and competition from producers in Mexico and Peru.
Source: Mwakilishi