Leveraging Value Chain for Enhancing the Domestic and Export Markets of Avocado in Ethiopia

Abstract

Avocado is emerging as an important alternative fruit crop for farmers in many regions of Ethiopia. A multistage sampling method was used to choose representative households in the study region. 268 target households were randomly selected for a household survey, and qualitative data were gathered through various methods, including key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and document reviews. The household survey shows average avocado yields of 6.4 t/ha in the Amhara Region, 5.7 t/ha in the Oromia Region, 4.7 t/ha in the Sidama Region, and 3.2 t/ha in the SNNP Region. Higher productivity in Amhara is linked to commercial, irrigated, and cluster-based farming, such as the Koga Irrigation Project. The average number of fruit-bearing trees is 14, with each hectare producing an average yield of 5 tons. Farmers earned an average of 95,000 ETB from avocado sales in a single production season. The survey results also showed that about 66.8% of avocado growers in the study area used traditional varieties, while 33.2% used improved/grafted varieties, though the proportions vary by region.  Key challenges include a lack of irrigation, low productivity, limited input support, inadequate farmer experience, poor market information, perishability, seasonal supply, and weak organization among actors. The avocado value chain is characterized by weak coordination among chain actors, as well as poor information sharing among stakeholders. Strengthening market systems, infrastructure, and stakeholder coordination will improve efficiency, reduce losses, and help farmers access better-paying markets.