Uganda Aims to Boost Avocado Exports Through Stakeholder Collaboration

Key players in Uganda’s avocado sector, including farmers, exporters, processors, and government agencies, met in Kampala to strategize on enhancing the industry’s contribution to economic growth and livelihoods. The meeting, hosted by the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), aimed to foster collaboration and find solutions to barriers hindering the full realization of the sector’s potential.

Representatives from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting the avocado industry. They highlighted the importance of listening to farmers and stakeholders to inform policy interventions that promote quality production, value addition, and market access.

Discussions also touched upon the need for a deliberate strategy and stronger coordination for avocado as an emerging commercial crop. Stakeholders stressed that Uganda must improve its competitiveness in the global market by meeting international standards for quality, price, and reliability. Concerns were raised about the need for an organized local market to ensure consistent information flow, reliable raw material access for exporters, and a stronger national brand.

Participants also addressed regulatory proposals, with some farmers expressing concerns that certain measures could disadvantage them, particularly regarding cross-border trade. The importance of farmer organization, quality focus, and understanding export market demands was underscored by industry players. The need for government support in standardizing agricultural inputs, pest and disease management, and investing in irrigation was also highlighted to boost productivity and meet market requirements.