Burundi is poised to play a more prominent role in the international Avocado market. However, to realize this potential, Burundian avocado producers need to overcome several key challenges, from improving farming practices to enhancing post-harvest handling.
In response, the EU-EAC MARKUP II programme organized a two-week training program for Burundian avocado farmers that was held in Kenya – the Avocado hub in the African continent. It provided hands-on exposure to best practices in Kenya’s more mature Hass avocado industry, helping Burundian farmers improve their techniques and production standards.
The training offered participants lectures, farm visits, and field tours to avocado nurseries, orchards, and warehouses. The farmers gained practical knowledge on the entire value chain, from the criteria for choosing suitable land for avocado trees, the essential elements for a good nursery, grafting, sowing, pruning, fruit maturity tests, the correct harvesting method, the export process, to the transformation process.
Tharcisse Nzigamasabo describing the benefits of the training said, “The new plantations will be done following the best practices. I also intend to advise new producers on the effective practices acquired through the training.”
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Understanding ideal climatic and physical conditions for avocado cultivation. -
Learning good orchard management practices, including layout, irrigation, and pest control.
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Exploring the crucial steps in harvesting, post-harvest handling, and transporting avocados to packhouses.
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Gaining insight into the characteristics of avocado trees and fruit, and factors affecting quality.
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Grasping the importance of proper sorting, packing, and temperature control before dispatch.
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Visiting avocado oil factories to learn about value addition and new market opportunities.
“This training opened my eyes about what needs to be done in avocado sector in Burundi,” another participant said.