Avocado farmers in Kisii County are receiving new technical and certification support through a partnership between Control Union Kenya and the Riaima Empowerment Centre for Sustainable Agriculture. The initiative, part of the Control Union Mashinani programme, aims to train smallholder growers in sustainable production and compliance with export requirements.
During a farmer meeting in Borabu Bomachoge, Control Union Kenya Managing Director James Mureithi said the programme focuses on production practices and market standards. "We are here to empower farmers in avocado farming, with much emphasis on sustainable agriculture," he said. He added that certification provides growers with a pathway to export markets and reduces reliance on intermediaries.
Mureithi noted that Kisii's climate supports avocado production and said coordination between county and national institutions is needed to ensure access to quality seedlings, technical support, and export channels.
RECSA founder Evans Nyakoni said the organisation will support farmers with training, group organisation, and preparation for certification audits. The group also plans to link growers with export markets through its partnership with Control Union.
Farmers in Borabu Bomachoge said recent training sessions on good agricultural practices, organic systems, and soil management have already begun to influence production approaches. They expect the collaboration to provide structured access to higher-value markets once certification is complete.
Control Union's role includes monitoring compliance with market requirements for fresh fruits and vegetables. In Kenya, this includes verification against GlobalG.A.P. standards used by international buyers.
Source: Sacco Review
