Avocado Farming in Kenya: A Complete Guide

Introduction to Avocado Farming in Kenya

Avocado farming in Kenya has become a key export and boosting the economy. The fruit makes up 17% of horticultural exports. It’s the fourth most valuable fruit, following bananas, mangoes, and pineapples. Avocados grow in all counties except the arid ones, mainly the Hass and Fuerte varieties.

Kenya now leads Africa in avocado production. It is a top 10 exporter globally. The country’s avocado exports exceed Ksh 10 billion yearly, growing at 10-12% per year.

This comprehensive guide will cover the following aspects of avocado farming in Kenya:

1. The current status of the avocado industry
2. Popular avocado varieties
3. Climatic and soil requirements
4. Steps to establish an avocado farm
5. Crop management practices
6. Harvesting and post-harvest handling
7. Challenges facing avocado farmers
8. Opportunities in the sector

The Avocado Farming in Kenya

Avocado production in Kenya is mainly in areas of Central Kenya (particularly Murang’a and Kiambu and Nyeri), Rift Valley (Nakuru and Bomet) and Eastern Kenya comprising Embu and Meru. The exported ones are nearly 70,000 smallholder farmers and are mostly the Hass and Fuerte varieties.

Hass avocados discovered new markets throughout the world as demand for their high nutritional value and nourishing versatility went up. Europe accounts for the bulk of Kenya’s avocado export with emphasis on Netherlands, France, and Germany. Relations are improving but the future for Korean fruits is in the Middle East and the Asia region. The local market share is increasing too due to rising awareness of the health benefits of avocados.

The peak avocado season in Kenya is from March to September. Fuerte avocados bear fruit as early as February, while Hass avocados are available from May.

Popular Avocado Varieties in Kenya

1. Hass Avocado

• The star of Kenya’s avocado exports
• Distinctive features:
  • Oval shape with a small to medium-sized seed
  • Thick, textured skin that turns from green to purplish-black when ripe
  • Creamy, nutty flesh with high fat content
  • Easy to peel
  • Long shelf life, making it ideal for shipping
• The tree grows tall and may need pruning
• Enjoys one of the longest harvest seasons

2. Fuerte Avocado

• The second most popular export variety
• Key characteristics:
  • Pear-shaped fruit with a medium-sized seed
  • Thin, smooth green skin that stays green when ripe
  • Creamy, pale green flesh with excellent taste
  • Easy to peel
• The tree is broad and highly productive
• Note: This variety is more susceptible to Anthracnose and Scab diseases

3. Jumbo or Kienyeji Avocado

• Also known as the local variety
• Similar to the Reed avocado (see characteristics below)
• Popular in local markets

Kenya mainly grows Hass, Fuerte, and Jumbo avocados. It also grows other types.

4. Pinkerton Avocado

• Long, pear-shaped fruit with a small seed
• Slightly thicker, green skin with some pebbling
• Green skin deepens in color as it ripens
• Easy to peel
• Creamy, pale green flesh
• Excellent, rich nutty flavor

5. Reed Avocado

• Round shape with a medium-sized seed
• Thick green skin with slight pebbling
• Skin remains green even when ripe
• Easy to peel
• Creamy flesh with great taste
• Largest of all avocado varieties

6. Puebla Avocado

• Small, compact fruit resembling Hass
• Thin, black smooth skin when ripe
• Velvety flesh with nutty aroma
• Rich, buttery taste

These varieties add diversity to Kenya’s avocado industry. They cater to different tastes and market demands.

Variety	Shape	Skin Color	Flesh Color	Notable Features
Hass	Oval	Green to purplish-black	Creamy, nutty	Long shelf life, high-fat content
Fuerte	Pear-shaped	Green	Creamy, pale green	Easy to peel, susceptible to diseases
Jumbo	Round	Green	Creamy	Local variety, large size
Pinkerton	Pear-shaped	Green	Creamy	Rich, nutty flavor
Reed	Round	Green	Creamy	Largest variety
Puebla	Small, oval	Black	Velvety	Nutty aroma

Avocado Uses

Avocados are versatile fruits with many uses:

• Eaten raw when ripe
• Used to flavor soups, ice cream, milkshakes, and desserts
• Served as a side dish in meals
• Avocado oil is used in cooking and for hair and skin care

Climatic and Soil Requirements for Avocado Farming in Kenya

1. Temperature

Avocados grow in a wide range of temperatures, but each variety has its preferences:

• Hass avocado does best in temperatures between 25°C and 28°C.
• Most varieties prefer maximum temperatures below 30°C.
• Temperatures above 35°C can hurt fruit yield and size.

Keep in mind that different avocado types (subtropical and tropical) have varying temperature needs.

2. Rainfall

Water availability is important for avocado trees. Here’s what you need to know:

• Aim for at least 1,000 mm of rainfall per year.
• The rain should be well-spread throughout the year.
• Light showers during flowering and fruit set lead to good yields.
• If rainfall is low, use irrigation. Water lightly and often, no more than 50 mm at a time.
• Be careful with too much rain (over 1,800 mm a year). Very wet months (more than 300 mm) can cause root rot.

3. Relative Humidity

Humidity plays a big role in avocado growing:

• Low humidity can stress the trees.
• High humidity helps trees perform well, especially for the Hass variety.
• However, very high humidity can make it hard for trees to take up important nutrients like boron and calcium.

4. Altitude

In Kenya, avocados grow well at different heights:

• The best range is between 1,500 to 2,100 meters above sea level.
• They can grow anywhere below 2,500 meters.
• Most Kenyan avocados are grown in highlands between 1,000 and 2,100 meters.

5. Soil Requirements

The right soil is crucial for healthy avocado trees:

• Soil should be deep, permeable, and well-drained.
• Aim for at least one meter of topsoil.
• Avoid waterlogged areas to prevent root rot.
• The best soil pH is between 6.2 and 6.5, but avocados can grow in soils with pH from 5 to 7.
• Add organic matter to the soil through mulches and manures.
• Be careful with salt levels. Avocados are sensitive to salt, especially chlorine.

Steps to Establish an Avocado Farm in Kenya

1. Land Preparation

Before planting, prepare your land properly:

• Clear the area of weeds, bushes, and stones.
• Deep plow the soil to improve drainage and loosen it up.
• Create planting holes about 60 cm deep and 60 cm wide.
• Space the holes 6-8 meters apart. This gives trees room to grow and lets in sunlight.

2. Choosing and Planting Seedlings

Selecting the right seedlings is crucial:

• Use certified seedlings from trusted nurseries.
• Choose grafted seedlings for better yields and disease resistance.
• Plant at the start of the rainy season to ensure enough water.
• When planting, keep the graft union above the soil to prevent disease.

3. Spacing and Layout

Proper spacing helps your trees thrive:

• Keep 6-8 meters between trees.
• This spacing prevents overcrowding as trees grow.
• It also helps air circulate and reduces competition for nutrients.
• Consider planting both Type A and Type B avocados for better pollination.

4. Initial Care and Pruning

Young trees need special attention:

• Water newly planted trees regularly, especially in dry periods.
• Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Prune young trees to encourage branching.
• Proper pruning creates a strong tree structure and makes harvesting easier later.

5. Fertilization

Feed your trees well from the start:

• Apply organic manure when planting to boost root development.
• Use a balanced NPK fertilizer a few months after planting.
• As trees grow, adjust fertilizer amounts based on soil tests and tree health.

Avocado Crop Management in Kenya

1. Pest Control

1. Fruit Flies

Symptoms and Characteristics include;

• Small puncture marks on fruit surface
• Larvae feed inside the fruit, causing decay
• Premature fruit drop

Control Methods includes;

• Use fruit fly traps with pheromone lures
• Apply bait sprays containing protein and insecticide
• Practice good orchard sanitation by removing fallen fruit

2. Thrips

Symptoms and Characteristics includes;

• Scarring on fruit surface
• Distorted leaves with silvery appearance
• Stunted growth of young shoots

Control Methods includes;

• Use blue sticky traps to monitor populations
• Apply insecticidal soaps or neem oil
• Encourage natural predators like lacewings and predatory mites

3. False Codling Moth

Symptoms and Characteristics includes;

• Small entry holes on fruit surface
• Internal fruit damage and decay
• Premature fruit drop

Control Methods includes;

• Use pheromone traps for monitoring
• Apply targeted insecticides during egg-laying periods
• Implement mating disruption techniques using pheromones

4. Scales

Symptoms and Characteristics include;

• Small, immobile insects on leaves and branches
• Yellowing leaves and branch dieback
• Sticky honeydew secretion and sooty mold growth

Control Methods include;

• Prune heavily infested branches
• Apply horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps
• Introduce natural predators like ladybirds

2. Disease Control

1. Root Rot (Phytophthora cinnamomi)

Symptoms and Characteristics include;

• Yellowing and wilting of leaves
• Branch dieback
• Dark, rotting roots
• Tree decline and eventual death

Control Methods include;

• Improve soil drainage
• Use resistant rootstocks
• Apply phosphonate fungicides
• Practice good orchard hygiene

2. Anthracnose

Symptoms and Characteristics include;

• Dark, sunken lesions on fruit
• Leaf spots and blights
• Twig dieback

Control Methods include;

• Prune and destroy infected plant parts
• Apply copper-based fungicides
• Improve air circulation in the canopy
• Harvest fruit at the right maturity

3. Cercospora Fruit Spot

Symptoms and Characteristics includes;

• Small, round, dark spots on fruit surface
• Spots may coalesce into larger lesions
• Primarily affects fruit appearance, not internal quality

Control Methods includes;

• Apply fungicides during fruit development
• Maintain good orchard hygiene
• Prune trees to improve air circulation

4. Scab

Symptoms and Characteristics includes;

• Raised, corky lesions on fruit surface
• Dark, velvety spots on leaves
• Can cause fruit drop if severe

Control Methods includes;

• Apply preventative fungicides during wet periods
• Prune to improve air circulation
• Remove and destroy fallen leaves and fruit

3. Irrigation

Proper watering is essential for avocado trees:

• Avocados need consistent watering, especially during flowering and fruit set.
• Drip irrigation is ideal. It delivers water directly to roots and reduces waste.
• Water needs vary by season. More in dry periods, less in rainy seasons.
• Avoid waterlogging. It can lead to root rot.
• Monitor soil moisture regularly. Water when the top few inches of soil feel dry.

4. Weed Control

Weeds compete with avocado trees for nutrients and water:

• Regular weeding is important, especially for young trees.
• Use mulch around tree bases. It suppresses weeds and retains soil moisture.
• If using herbicides, be careful not to damage avocado trees.

5. Pruning

Proper pruning helps maintain tree health and fruit production:

• Remove dead or diseased branches regularly.
• Shape trees to allow sunlight to reach all parts.
• Don’t over-prune. Avocados fruit on new growth.

Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling of Avocados

Proper harvesting and post-harvest handling is essential for optimal fruit quality maintenance:

• When avocados are harvested: 6-7 months after flowering when they are intact in size but hard in texture.
• Use the hand-picking technique or picking poles in such a way as to protect the fruit.
• Post-harvesting, categorize the avocados according to size, color, and quality.
• Avocados should be kept in a controlled temperature and dry environment of 5°C to 13°C for a longer shelf life.

Challenges Facing Avocado Farmers in Kenya

1. Poor Quality Seedlings

• Some seedlings produce trees with low yields.
• Others fail to grow into mature trees at all.

2. Pests and Diseases

Avocado trees are vulnerable to various pests and diseases:

Major Pests:

1. Fruit flies
2. Thrips
3. False codling moth
4. Scales

Main Diseases:

1. Root rot
2. Anthracnose
3. Cercospora Fruit Spot
4. Scab

Many farmers lack knowledge about proper pesticide use. This leads to harvest losses and can cause environmental pollution if banned pesticides are used.

3. Harvesting and Transportation Issues

• Poor harvesting methods damage fruits.
• Bad rural infrastructure makes transporting produce costly.

4. Limited Resources

• Small farmers often lack access to:
  • Production technologies
  • Credit
  • Training
• Many have small land tracts, limiting income.
• High costs of proper harvesting and transportation.

5. Other Challenges

• High farmer organization membership fees.
• Expensive fertilizer, labor, and pesticides.
• Adverse weather conditions affect production.

Improving the Avocado Sector in Kenya

1. Better Farming Practices

• Intercrop avocados with other cash crops to improve soil fertility.
• Distribute certified seedlings of preferred varieties.

2. Farmer Cooperation

Encourage small farmers to join or form groups for:

• Easy access to marketing services
• Networking
• Better price bargaining
• Meeting export standards

3. Education and Training

• Increase training on modern farming practices.
• Teach avocado marketing to boost export participation.
• Focus on young farmers who can quickly adopt new technologies.

4. Technological Improvements

• Introduce avocado harvesters through farmer organizations.
• Train small-scale growers to use local weather data.

5. Government Support

• Create policies protecting farmers from exploitation.
• Strengthen farmer marketing institutions.
• Encourage contract farming and connect small growers to exporters.

Opportunities in Avocado Farming in Kenya

1. Global Demand for Avocados Increasing

• Hass particularly, is in high demand all over the world. The trend is good for Kenyan farmers;
• Export Markets: Principal importers were the Netherlands, France and Germany. I also like the Middle East and Asia.
• Kenya´s all-year round production: Kenya´s climate enables an all-year-round avocado farming which gives the country a competitive advantage.

2. Value Addition Opportunities

With this new product, Kenyan avocado farmers can increase their income:

• Avocado Oil- This is a second-in-demand product this oil is used in cooking, cosmetics, and health supplements.
• Value-added Products: Guacamole as a product on the go, frozen chunks of avocado ashes etc.
• Beauty: The trend of avocado-related skin care products.
• Value addition = yes more profits, jobs, and not dependent on the price of fresh fruit.

3. Organic Avocado Farming

In the midst of a booming organic food sector, Kenyan farmers are presented with an open door:

• Price: Organic avocados bring 20-30% more sales in comparison to conventional grower prices
• Sustainable Sourcing: Organic farming is on point with sustainability goals and, therefore, likely to appeal to ancillary stakeholders.

4. Government and NGO Support

Kenyan avocado farmers can benefit from various support systems:

• Kenya Avocado Growers Association (KAGA): It aids avocado farmers with training, market info, and advocacy.
• Government Initiatives: The Kenyan government supports farmers with advice, research, and export promotion.
• NGO Partnerships: Groups like TechnoServe boost small farmers’ productivity and market access.
• Financial Support: Some programs offer avocado farmers credit and financial services.

Conclusion

Avocado farming in Kenya is a great chance for all farmers. It’s the fourth most valuable fruit and a key export. This shows avocados can be both profitable and sustainable.

Success in avocado farming depends on the following best practices:

1. Start with good soil and seedlings for healthy orchards.
2. Use proper irrigation, fertilization, and pruning for tree health and fruit.
3. Monitor crops and act quickly to maintain quality and yield.
4. Harvest, sort, and store carefully to keep fruit quality.

Kenyan avocado farmers can tap into the rising global demand for this healthy fruit. To do so, they should:

• Consider making avocado oil or other products.
• Seek help from government and agricultural programs for training and resources.
• Join or form cooperatives for better deals and services.
• Stay updated on market trends and preferences, especially for organic avocados.

Frequently Asked Questions 

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