Mango Production in East Africa: Current Status, Challenges, and Future Prospects

Juma Msafiri

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is an important fruit crop in East Africa, particularly in Kenya, where it is the third-leading horticultural crop ¹. Mangoes are a significant source of nutrition and income for many smallholder farmers in the region. This research paper provides an overview of mango production in East Africa, focusing on the current status, challenges, and future prospects of the industry.

Current Status of Mango Production in East Africa

It is believed that mangoes were introduced into East Africa around the 10th century AD by the Persians ¹. The fruit quickly spread through East African countries, including Kenya, because of its hardy nature and suitability for different agro-ecological zones ranging from sub-humid to semi-arid. Mango is a low-calorie fruit that is high in fiber and a great source of vitamins A and C ¹.

Kenya is the largest mango producer in East Africa, with a competitive advantage of having among the highest mango yields in the world ². In 2018, the area under mango cultivation in Kenya decreased by 4% from 50,550 hectares in 2017 to 48,541 hectares ². The leading counties in mango production in Kenya are Makueni, Machakos, Kilifi, and Kwale ². Small-scale farmers dominate mango production in the region, accounting for 80% of production ¹.

Kenya is a country with a strong agriculture industry, although the horticulture component, with the exception of floriculture, has been underdeveloped ³. With a view to increasing the mango industry in Kenya and similar countries, The World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) has been drawing on decades of experience in East Africa to support the growth of the industry ³.

Major Mango Producing Countries

While Kenya is the leading mango producer in East Africa, other countries in the region, such as Tanzania and Uganda, also contribute to the mango industry ⁴. For example, the YieldWise initiative, launched by The Rockefeller Foundation, focused on tackling post-harvest losses in mango production in Kenya, working with various actors across the value chain to improve lives and livelihoods ⁴. The initiative encouraged the development of aggregation centers in mango zones, working with farmers’ groups or cooperatives, and facilitated a regional market for Kent mangoes, which are popular in Uganda and Tanzania due to their relatively long shelf life ⁴.

Mango Varieties Grown in East Africa

East Africa boasts a wide range of mango varieties, each with its own unique flavor, texture, and appearance ⁵. These can be broadly categorized into local and introduced varieties:

Local Varieties:

Variety Name	Origin	Key Characteristics	Suitable Agro-ecological Zones
Ngowe	Kenya	Deep yellow/orange to red color, excellent flavor, early season variety (December-March), moderately resistant to Anthracnose disease	Hot and low altitude areas (0-700 m ASL)
Batawi	Kenya	Medium to large-sized, round-shaped, juicy	Hot and low altitude areas (0-700 m ASL)
Boribo		Large canopy, fairly early yielding
Apple		Sweet, aromatic flavor, often referred to as the “king of mangoes”	Medium altitude (0-700 m ASL)
Dodo
Kiarabu
Kimji
Kitovu

Introduced Varieties:

Variety Name	Origin	Key Characteristics	Suitable Agro-ecological Zones
Tommy Atkins		Firm texture, good shelf life, disease resistant
Kent		Sweet flavor, low fiber content, large size
Keitt		Late-maturing, large, flavorful fruits
Van Dyke
Alphonse
Haden
Sensation
Sabine

This table provides a clearer representation of the variety of mangoes grown in East Africa, highlighting their origins and key characteristics. Further research could explore the suitability of these varieties for different agro-ecological zones in more detail.

Production Volumes

Mango production in Kenya has increased significantly over the past decade. In 2017, the country produced 772,700 tons of mangoes, making it the third-largest mango producer in Africa ⁴. Since 2010, Kenya has been producing an average of 650,000 metric tons of mangoes annually ⁶. This increase in production can be attributed to factors such as the expansion of mango farming areas and the adoption of improved production practices.

Challenges Facing Mango Production in East Africa

Despite the significant potential of the mango industry in East Africa, several challenges hinder its growth and development. These challenges include:

Pests and Diseases

Pests and diseases are major constraints to mango production in East Africa. The most destructive pests include the mango seed weevil (Sternochetus mangiferae) and the mango fruit fly ⁷. These pests can cause significant losses in yield and quality if not effectively controlled. Other common pests include scales, mealybugs, aphids, and thrips ⁸. Diseases such as anthracnose, powdery mildew, and bacterial black spot also pose a threat to mango production ⁹.

Climate Change

Climate change is a growing concern for mango production in East Africa. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns can affect the flowering and fruiting of mango trees, leading to reduced yields and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases ¹⁰. Extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts, can also negatively impact mango production ¹⁰.

In addition to changes in temperature and rainfall, the effects of climate change on agriculture must also take into account the increasing CO2 concentration ¹¹. While CO2 is essential to critical plant functions, including photosynthesis, the fluctuation of temperature represents…source ¹¹.

Market Access

Many mango farmers in East Africa face challenges in accessing markets for their produce. Poor road networks, inadequate storage facilities, and poor post-harvest handling practices can lead to high post-harvest losses and reduce the quality of mangoes reaching the market ¹⁰. According to the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, farmers often lose 40-45% of their crop due to poor harvesting and post-harvest handling techniques, as well as pests and diseases ¹². In addition, meeting quality and safety requirements for export markets can be a challenge for smallholder farmers ¹³.

Market access challenges are further compounded by the localized nature of mango production in some East African countries. For example, although mango production is largely localized in a few areas of Ethiopia, its supply chain commonly ends in almost all the urban markets and restaurants in the country, even though hundreds of tons are exported ¹⁴. This can limit access to lucrative markets for all produce.

Aggregation centers have the potential to play a significant role in overcoming market access challenges and improving farmers’ bargaining power ⁴. These centers can help farmers to store and market their produce, negotiate better prices, and access cold storage facilities. However, a challenge that these centers face is what to do during the off-season. Some centers have begun to use their cold storage facilities to store other crops, such as watermelon, avocado, and macadamia nuts ⁴.

The Role of Farmer Training and Knowledge Dissemination

Farmer training and knowledge dissemination are crucial in addressing challenges related to pests and diseases, post-harvest losses, and climate change adaptation ¹⁰. Training programs can equip farmers with the knowledge and skills to implement integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, adopt improved post-harvest handling techniques, and adapt to changing climatic conditions. Access to information on improved mango varieties, pest and disease management techniques, and market opportunities is also essential for farmers to make informed decisions and improve their livelihoods.

Other Challenges

Other challenges facing mango production in East Africa include:

• Lack of access to finance: Many smallholder farmers lack access to credit facilities, which limits their ability to invest in improved production practices and technologies. This can hinder their ability to purchase inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides, and improved planting materials, as well as invest in irrigation systems and post-harvest handling equipment.
• Limited access to information and technology: Farmers often lack access to information on improved mango varieties, pest and disease management techniques, and market opportunities. This can be due to limited access to extension services, low literacy rates, and poor communication infrastructure.
• Inadequate extension services: Extension services that provide technical support and training to farmers are often limited in reach and effectiveness. This can be due to a shortage of qualified extension officers, inadequate funding, and logistical challenges in reaching remote farming communities.

Potential for Mango Production in East Africa

Despite the challenges, the mango industry in East Africa has significant potential for growth and development. The region has a favorable climate for mango production, and there is a growing demand for mangoes in both domestic and export markets.

Export Markets

The global export market for mangoes is large (valued at more than $3.6 billion) and growing rapidly (at more than 10% per annum) ¹⁶. East African countries have the potential to increase their mango exports to high-value markets such as Europe and the United States. However, to achieve this, they need to address challenges related to quality standards, post-harvest handling, and market access.

There is a contrast between the high yields of mangoes in Kenya and the low export volumes to high-value markets ². This discrepancy suggests a need for strategies to improve market access and quality standards. For example, investing in infrastructure such as packhouses and cold storage facilities can help to improve the quality of mangoes and reduce post-harvest losses.

Value Addition

There are opportunities for value addition in the mango industry in East Africa. Processing mangoes into products such as juices, dried mango, and mango pulp can increase the value of the crop and create new market opportunities. Value addition can also help to reduce post-harvest losses and increase the shelf life of mango products.

Future Outlook for Mango Production in East Africa

The future of mango production in East Africa depends on addressing the challenges and capitalizing on the opportunities outlined above. Several factors will shape the future of the industry, including:

Technology and Innovation

The adoption of new technologies and innovations can play a crucial role in improving mango production and addressing challenges related to pests and diseases, post-harvest losses, and climate change. Technologies such as improved mango varieties, integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, and efficient post-harvest handling techniques can help to increase productivity and reduce losses.

Social and Economic Impacts

Mango production has significant social and economic impacts in East Africa. The industry provides employment and income for many people, particularly smallholder farmers and those involved in processing and marketing. Increased mango production can contribute to poverty reduction, food security, and economic growth in the region.

Environmental Impacts

It is important to consider the environmental impacts of mango production. Sustainable production practices, such as efficient water management, soil conservation, and the use of environmentally friendly pest and disease control methods, are essential to minimize the negative impacts on the environment.

Conclusion

Mango production is an important agricultural activity in East Africa, with significant potential for growth and development. However, the industry faces several challenges, including pests and diseases, climate change, and market access constraints. Addressing these challenges through the adoption of improved technologies, sustainable production practices, and supportive policies is crucial to ensure the future prosperity of the mango industry in East Africa. By capitalizing on the opportunities for export market expansion and value addition, East African countries can further enhance the contribution of mango production to their economies and the livelihoods of their people.

Synthesis of Research Findings

This research paper has provided a comprehensive overview of mango production in East Africa, covering its current status, challenges, and future prospects. The key findings can be summarized as follows:

• Kenya is the leading mango producer in East Africa, with a diverse range of mango varieties grown in the region.
• Mango production has increased significantly in recent years, but challenges remain in terms of pests and diseases, climate change, and market access.
• There is significant potential for growth in the mango industry, particularly in export markets and value addition.
• The future of mango production in East Africa depends on addressing the challenges and capitalizing on the opportunities through technology adoption, sustainable practices, and supportive policies.

The research highlights the need for a multi-faceted approach to support the mango industry in East Africa. This includes:

• Investing in research and development: This includes developing improved mango varieties that are resistant to pests and diseases and adapted to local conditions, as well as developing sustainable production practices that minimize environmental impacts.
• Improving market access: This includes investing in infrastructure such as roads, storage facilities, and packhouses, as well as providing support to farmers in meeting quality standards for export markets.
• Promoting value addition: This includes supporting the development of processing facilities and providing training to farmers on value addition techniques.
• Strengthening farmer organizations: This includes supporting the formation and development of farmer cooperatives and associations, which can help farmers to access information, technology, and markets.
• Developing supportive policies: This includes policies that promote investment in the mango industry, facilitate access to finance, and address challenges related to climate change.

By addressing these key areas, East African countries can unlock the full potential of the mango industry and ensure its sustainable growth and development. This will not only contribute to economic growth and food security but also improve the livelihoods of many smallholder farmers in the region.

Works cited

1. A rapid agroecological mango value chain analysis in Kenya, accessed December 20, 2024, https://alliancebioversityciat.org/publications-data/rapid-agroecological-mango-value-chain-analysis-kenya

2. mangoes – MARKUP Kenya, accessed December 20, 2024, https://markupkenya.org/mangoes/

3. mango growing in kenya, accessed December 20, 2024, https://apps.worldagroforestry.org/Units/Library/Books/PDFs/97_Mango_growing_in_kenya.pdf

4. www.rockefellerfoundation.org, accessed December 20, 2024, https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/YieldWise-Mangoes-Overview-Final.pdf

5. Mango Industry Statistics in Africa – SME Blue Pages, accessed December 20, 2024, https://smebluepages.com/mango-industry-statistics-in-africa/

6. A rapid agroecological mango value chain analysis in Kenya – CGSpace, accessed December 20, 2024, https://cgspace.cgiar.org/items/52cf0c60-ef37-4e3c-ac69-0deb77f50698

7. Mango: Weeds, Pests and Diseases – Agriculture in Africa Media LBG, accessed December 20, 2024, https://www.agricinafrica.com/2023/01/mango-weeds-pests-and-diseases.html

8. Mango Pests and Diseases, accessed December 20, 2024, https://www.themangofactory.com/growing-mangoes/pests-disease/mango-pests-and-diseases/

9. Major pest and disease identification and management guide for mango, avocado, tamarillo and grevillea – Regreening Africa, accessed December 20, 2024, https://regreeningafrica.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Pest-and-disease-guide.pdf

10. Mango Farming in Kenya – What challenges mango farmers face – Wikifarmer, accessed December 20, 2024, https://wikifarmer.com/library/en/article/mango-farming-in-kenya-what-challenges-mango-farmers-face

11. Climate Changes and Mango Production (Temperature) – IgMin Research, accessed December 20, 2024, https://www.igminresearch.com/articles/html/igmin115

12. Mango farmers in Kenya get access to new technology to counter post-harvest losses | Africa Renewal – the United Nations, accessed December 20, 2024, https://www.un.org/africarenewal/news/mango-farmers-kenya-get-access-new-technology-counter-post-harvest-losses

13. An assessment of mango farmers’ choice of marketing channels in Makueni, Kenya – UoN Digital Repository, accessed December 20, 2024, https://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/bitstream/handle/11295/89985/Muthini_An%20assessment%20of%20mango%20farmers%20%20choice%20of%20marketing%20channels%20in%20Makueni,%20Kenya?sequence=3

14. Full article: Determinants of Market Participation among Smallholder Mango Producers in Assosa Zone of Benishangul Gumuz Region in Ethiopia – Taylor & Francis Online, accessed December 20, 2024, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15538362.2019.1640167

15. (PDF) Climate Change and Mango Production – ResearchGate, accessed December 20, 2024, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338746573_Climate_Change_and_Mango_Production

16. Unlocking the Kenyan Mango Value Chain – Harvard Kennedy School, accessed December 20, 2024, https://www.hks.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/degree%20programs/MPAID/files/Bien%2C%20James%20%26%20Isabella%20Soehn_SYPA.pdf

17. mango cultivar diversity and its potential for improving mango productivity in kenya – cifor-icraf, accessed December 20, 2024, https://www.cifor-icraf.org/publications/downloads/Publications/PDFS/PP10294.pdf