Avocado Farming in Tanzania: A Green Gold Opportunity Facing Significant Challenges

Juma Msafiri

In recent years, avocado has emerged as a highly sought-after commodity globally, renowned for its health benefits and versatile culinary applications. In Tanzania, particularly in the Southern Highlands, avocado farming has grown from a mere subsistence activity to a promising commercial venture. However, despite its potential, the avocado industry in Tanzania faces numerous challenges that threaten to stymie its growth. This article delves into the intricacies of avocado production in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania, highlighting the opportunities and challenges that come with this burgeoning trade.

The Rise of Avocado: A Global Perspective

Avocado, scientifically known as Persea americana, has a long history, with its origins traced back to Meso America. Its global journey began in the 1600s, when Spanish explorers introduced it to Spain, and from there, it spread to various parts of the world, including Africa. Today, avocado is not just a fruit but a symbol of healthy eating, with its popularity skyrocketing, particularly in Europe and Asia. The growing demand is fueled by increased awareness of the fruit’s health benefits, including its rich content of monounsaturated fatty acids, which are linked to reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.

In Tanzania, avocado has found a fertile home in the Southern Highlands, where the climate and soil conditions are ideal for its cultivation. The regions of Mbeya, Njombe, and Songwe have become the epicenters of avocado production, contributing significantly to the country’s agricultural output. However, the transition from traditional farming to commercial production has not been without its hurdles.

The Promise of the Southern Highlands

The Southern Highlands of Tanzania, comprising regions like Mbeya, Njombe, and Songwe, have become synonymous with avocado farming. The crop thrives in these regions due to the favorable climatic conditions—mild temperatures, ample rainfall, and fertile soils. Smallholder farmers, who constitute the majority of the agricultural workforce, have embraced avocado farming as a lucrative alternative to traditional crops like maize and beans.

A study conducted in these regions reveals that the average yield of avocado trees ranges from 76 to 124 kilograms per plant, depending on the district. The Mbeya region, particularly Busokelo district, boasts the highest yields, with some farmers harvesting up to 156 kilograms per tree. These figures are encouraging, especially when compared to global standards, where high-yielding avocado trees produce between 156 and 327 kilograms per year.

The economic potential of avocado is further underscored by the income it generates for farmers. In districts like Njombe, where commercial cultivars such as ‘Hass’ are predominantly grown, farmers earn between USD 34.70 and USD 74.88 per tree annually. However, this income is highly variable and largely dependent on the type of avocado grown, market access, and the ability to negotiate fair prices with buyers.

The Value Chain: From Farm to Market

Avocado farming in Tanzania is not just about growing trees; it’s about navigating a complex value chain that involves production, processing, and marketing. The study highlights four primary ways avocados are traded locally: direct sales to consumers in nearby markets, wholesalers or vendors, sales through middlemen, and pre-arranged sales where the produce is sold while still on the tree.

Each of these trading methods comes with its own set of challenges. Direct sales to consumers, while the most profitable, are not always reliable due to the limited volume of avocados that local markets can absorb. On the other hand, selling through middlemen, who often dictate prices, is less profitable for farmers but more reliable in moving larger produce volumes.

Interestingly, the study reveals a significant gender disparity in the avocado value chain. While men dominate avocado farming, women are more active in the local trade of avocados, accounting for 72% of all traders. This gender dynamic adds a social dimension to the avocado trade, with implications for household income and gender equity in agricultural communities.

Challenges on the Horizon

Despite the promising figures, Tanzania’s avocado industry faces many challenges that could hinder its growth. Among the most pressing issues is the limited extension support available to farmers. The study found that 73% of farmers reported inadequate access to agricultural extension services, which are crucial for providing technical advice, improving farming practices, and increasing yields.

Another significant challenge is the lack of reliable markets and the low prices offered to farmers. While commercial cultivars like ‘Hass’ command higher prices, the overall market conditions are far from favorable. Farmers in remote areas, particularly in districts like Busokelo and Njombe rural, often receive lower prices due to their reliance on middlemen and the lack of direct access to lucrative export markets.

Drought, pests, and diseases also pose substantial risks to avocado production. With over 98% of farmers relying solely on rainfall for irrigation, prolonged dry spells can lead to significant yield losses. Additionally, diseases such as Phytophthora root rot and pests like insect borers threaten the quality and quantity of the avocado harvest, further compounding the challenges faced by farmers.

For traders, the short shelf life of local avocado varieties is a major concern. Unlike commercial cultivars, which have a longer shelf life, local varieties spoil quickly after ripening, leading to substantial post-harvest losses. This, coupled with poor road networks and inadequate transportation, exacerbates the difficulties in bringing avocados to market.

The Way Forward

Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including the government, private sector, and development partners. Strengthening extension services, improving access to agricultural inputs, and investing in infrastructure are critical steps towards unlocking the full potential of the avocado industry in Tanzania.

Moreover, there is a need to explore opportunities for value addition, such as processing avocados into oil or other products, which could open up new markets and increase the income for farmers and traders alike. Enhancing market access, particularly for smallholder farmers, by linking them with international buyers or forming cooperatives could also improve their bargaining power and ensure they receive fair prices for their produce.

Wwhile avocado farming in Tanzania holds immense promise, realizing this potential will require overcoming significant obstacles. By addressing the challenges in the value chain, improving market conditions, and investing in the necessary infrastructure, Tanzania can position itself as a leading exporter of avocados, contributing not only to the global market but also to the economic well-being of its farmers.