Review Article
Trends and Drivers of Avocado Production in Ethiopia: A Review
Efrem Asfaw*
,
Zinash Nigussie
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
72-78
Received:
29 October 2024
Accepted:
15 November 2024
Published:
29 November 2024
DOI:
10.11648/j.wjfst.20240804.11
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Views:
Abstract: Global avocado production has seen a significant increase over the past few decades. The area harvested and production quantities have grown substantially, reflecting the rising demand for avocados worldwide. In Ethiopia, avocado production has been experiencing significant growth and the Ethiopian government, in collaboration with international organizations has been working intensively for avocado crop development in the country. These efforts have led to an increase in both the area under cultivation, production and productivity. The data from Food and Agricultural Organization indicated that the area under avocado cultivation in Ethiopia was 9,754 ha in 2000 and through up and downward fluctuations, substantial jump were seen in 2020 hitting 30,588 ha. For about more than a decade from 2000-2013, the volume of avocado production reveals a steady increase and the most significant growth were observed from 2016-2020, with production rising to 81,431.76 metric tons in 2017 and reaching 245,335.63 metric tons in 2020. The productivity of avocado in Ethiopia has experienced notable fluctuations in the last two decades. Even though there was a slight decline in subsequent years, the current productivity 5.8tons per hectare remained relatively high compared to the early 2010s. Favorable agro-ecological conditions, growing domestic demand, and government initiatives to promote and produce, high-yield, disease-resistant varieties, nutritional value, development of export markets, establishment of different processing factories in different parts of Ethiopia, government initiative and international support are factors responsible for expansion and development of avocado crop in Ethiopia. However, challenges such as limited access to quality seeds and planting materials, insufficient irrigation systems, very weak market chains, climate change, root rot and pests, low agronomic practices, lack of market and price information, perishability nature of the crop, lack of proper storage, weak access to transportation and extension services still need to be addressed. Addressing the issues, the future of avocado production and productivity in Ethiopia look promising and positive trends, with the potential to contribute significantly to the food security and economic development.
Abstract: Global avocado production has seen a significant increase over the past few decades. The area harvested and production quantities have grown substantially, reflecting the rising demand for avocados worldwide. In Ethiopia, avocado production has been experiencing significant growth and the Ethiopian government, in collaboration with international or...
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