Rwanda Expands Avocado, Mango, and Macadamia Production for Export Growth

By The Inspirer.

Rwanda is set to expand its horticulture sector with an ambitious plan to increase the cultivation of high-value crops, including avocados, mangoes, and macadamia nuts.

Over the next four years, the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) aims to plant 240,000 avocado seedlings on 800 hectares and 60,000 mango seedlings on 200 hectares across selected districts.

The avocado expansion will involve grafted seedlings, a technique that combines plant parts for improved traits, targeting Rusizi, Huye, Nyanza, Rwamagana, and Bugesera districts.

Similarly, mango cultivation will focus on Rusizi and Bugesera. Macadamia farming is also set to expand, with 102,000 seedlings planned for 100 hectares in Nyamasheke, Karongi, Rusizi, Rutsiro, and Rwamagana.

These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to position Rwanda as a competitive player in global horticultural markets.

Jean Bosco Mulindi, Emerging Commodities Division Manager at NAEB, highlighted that the program seeks to increase export volumes while improving smallholder farmers’ livelihoods.

“Expanding high-demand crops like avocado, mango, and macadamia aligns with Rwanda’s vision for agro-export growth. These efforts will enhance productivity, income, and job creation for rural communities,” Mulindi explained.

The initiative, funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), employs a community-based approach, engaging youth and women’s groups to bolster agricultural transformation.

Addressing challenges

Farmers are optimistic about the planned expansion but emphasize the need for additional support.

Jean Paul Nkengabo, an avocado farmer in Gakenke, stressed the importance of structured pricing to ensure fair market rates.

“The current avocado price of Rwf75 does not reflect production realities. Government intervention is crucial,” he said.

Macadamia farmer Celestin Gasigi from Ngoma underscored the necessity of reliable access to fertilizers and quality soil. He noted the absence of fixed pricing, which allows buyers to dictate terms, affecting farmer profitability. Despite challenges, macadamia remains a resilient crop, fetching up to Rwf1,200 per kilogram.

Meanwhile, Pascal Mushimire, a mango farmer from Ruhango, shared his experience of battling pests and restarting his orchard. He called for integrating high-yield, pest-resistant varieties into the expansion program to ensure sustainability.

Transforming Rwanda’s Horticulture

NAEB’s initiatives reflect a shift toward high-value horticultural commodities, with a focus on enhancing productivity and diversifying exports. By engaging local communities and addressing systemic challenges such as pricing and inputs, Rwanda aims to elevate its horticulture sector’s contribution to the national economy.

The expansion of avocado, mango, and macadamia plantations signifies a bold step toward achieving this vision, promising a sustainable impact on farmers’ incomes and the country’s agro-export potential.