A new project launched in Kenya and Rwanda to empower avocado, mango farmers on climate-smart practices

By Zablon Oyugi

World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) and the Center for International Forest Research (CIFOR) in collaboration with the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) have launched a project to empower avocado and mango farmers in Kenya and Rwanda on climate-smart practices to boost productivity.

The 16-month fruit trees for climate adaptation and mitigation project is aimed at helping the growers to mitigate climate change as well as changing market demands.

This is because fruit trees are retained longer on the farm creating the need for farmers to understand their contribution to climate change mitigation through estimation of carbon held in priority fruits focusing on avocadoes and mangoes, according to researchers.

“It has become critical to build the capacity of avocado and mango farmers to enable them to adjust their management practices, to overcome production- related challenges brought on by climate change, and contribute towards improved farm-level climate adaptation, household food security, and nutrition – as well as sustainable livelihoods,” said Catherine Muthuri, Kenya Country Director, and Regional Convener for East Africa at the CIFOR-ICRAF).

Safely produced fruits

Today, says Muthuri, consumers have become more conscious of safely produced fruits hence the need for avocado farmers to adopt practices that are health and environmentally friendly to remain viable.

Already a two-day training exercise has recently been conducted in Kiambu County, Kenya attended by xternal agricultural experts, including lead avocado farmers to explain various agronomic practices as well as best practices for fruit harvesting and handling.

The training also aimed at providing participants with knowledge on good agricultural practices including integrated pest and disease management, as well as critical information around harvesting, handling, and marketing practices that lead to increased productivity and profitability.

Also present were 66 farmers comprising of over 50 per cent women, and 14 agricultural extension officers from parts of the county.

“Access to the right information by farmers and agricultural extension agents on best practices on avocado farming, including handling and quality through this training, is critical for scaling suitable technologies and practices that lead to increased productivity and profitability,”  said Ann Koimburi, Kiambu County director for crops and irrigation.

Since avocadoes and mangoes from Kenya and the region continue to gain large market in Europe Union, China, and Middle East, Joe Kahinga, a researcher from the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) calls on the growers to  observe correct spacing when planting the crops.