Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Makueni County’s economy, contributing approximately 27.7% to the county’s Gross Product. Fruit farming dominates the agricultural landscape, with an estimated 70% of households actively involved. Mangoes have historically led the sector, but avocado production has been steadily gaining attention due to its growing value, rising demand, and potential for higher returns.

Avocado Farming in Makueni: Opportunities, Growth, and Insights from the Avocado Summit

Avocado cultivation is emerging as a promising venture for farmers seeking sustainable growth and increased income. Over the past few years, Makueni County has recorded a notable increase in avocado production, rising from 2,100 metric tons in 2021 to 2,394 metric tons in 2023. This growth highlights the untapped potential of the crop and signals opportunities for job creation, value addition, and enhanced household incomes.

It is against this backdrop that a two-day Avocado Summit was held in Kikima Town, bringing together farmers from Mbooni, Kaiti, and Kilome. The event was organized by the Makueni County Government in partnership with key agricultural stakeholders, aiming to equip farmers with practical knowledge across the entire avocado value chain.

The summit covered essential topics including soil management, orchard establishment, farm nutrition, pest and disease control, flowering and pollination techniques, fruit development, and compliance with marketing and export standards. Farmers were given hands-on guidance to improve their production methods and align with international quality expectations.

Chief Officer for Agriculture, Japheth Kiminza, addressed the attendees, encouraging the adoption of high-quality Hass and Fuerte avocado varieties to boost productivity and income levels. He emphasized that modern farming practices, combined with certified seedlings, proper pest control, and farm nutrition, are key to maximizing yields and producing fruit that meets export standards.

During the summit, Kiminza was joined by East Africa Market Development Associates Ltd. CEO Eunice Ngina Muema, area MCA Alex Mulemba, and other stakeholders. They reaffirmed the County’s commitment to supporting farmers by supplying clean planting materials, promoting certified nurseries, offering grafting and spraying services, and linking farmers to reliable markets and exporters. Such interventions are designed to strengthen the avocado value chain, ensuring that farmers can access fair prices and sustainable market outlets.

The summit also highlighted the importance of training and knowledge transfer. Farmers learned strategies to enhance fruit quality, reduce losses, and improve post-harvest handling. Proper orchard management, including soil health monitoring, pruning, and pest management, was emphasized as a means to increase yield per acre while maintaining sustainable practices.

Avocado farming in Makueni is now moving beyond subsistence production. With proper market linkages, farmers can take advantage of growing domestic and international demand for avocados, particularly the Hass variety, which commands premium prices in export markets. By adopting recommended cultivation practices, smallholder farmers can improve fruit size, reduce spoilage, and access lucrative supply chains, contributing to economic growth at both household and county levels.

The Avocado Summit has sparked renewed hope for Makueni farmers. It underscored that avocado farming is not just an additional crop but a viable commercial enterprise capable of generating better incomes, creating employment opportunities, and promoting value addition. With the county government and partners actively supporting the sector, farmers now have the tools, knowledge, and resources to transform avocado farming into a profitable and sustainable venture.

As production rises and practices improve, Makueni is poised to become a leading avocado-producing region in Kenya. For farmers willing to embrace modern techniques, invest in quality seedlings, and adhere to best practices, the future of avocado farming is bright, offering higher yields, better market access, and long-term economic benefits.

https://farmerstrend.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1761943692436-1024x682.jpghttps://farmerstrend.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1761943692436-150x150.jpgFarmersTrendFarming NewsAvocado Production in MakueniAgriculture remains a cornerstone of Makueni County’s economy, contributing approximately 27.7% to the county’s Gross Product. Fruit farming dominates the agricultural landscape, with an estimated 70% of households actively involved. Mangoes have historically led the sector, but avocado production has been steadily gaining attention due to its growing value,...New Generation Culture in Agriculture