Climate Disruption Affects Peak Avocado Harvest Timing in Kenya

The Kenyan avocado season has begun amidst climate disruptions affecting peak harvest timing. Avocado flowering has been delayed by one month, particularly for the Hass variety. Despite challenges, demand remains strong, with an increase in acreage and a focus on quality improvement. Nandwa’s strategies to adapt to these changes emphasize resilience within the industry.

The avocado season in Kenya commenced on February 14, featuring the green-skinned varieties initially, with the Hass variety to follow. However, the industry is currently facing challenges due to climate disruption, which is affecting the timing of peak harvests this year. Despite these adverse effects, Hassan Nandwa, Managing Director of Fawakih, remains optimistic about the campaign’s success. He noted, “The climate has really changed, and at times has become unpredictable. On the other hand, we are working hard to adapt. The avocado industry has a long history in the country, and growers have learned how to maintain quality and meet the market’s requirements.”

Nandwa has observed that climate change has notably impacted the timing of avocado flowering, delaying this year’s harvest by approximately one month, particularly for the Hass variety. He elaborated, “This has tampered with production and delayed the season by one month. Whereas we used to reach peak volumes in March, the norm is changing this year and we expect big volumes in April.” He expressed confidence in the quality of avocados, asserting that it continues to improve annually, stating, “The quality of Kenyan avocados is improving year on year, and we are confident of achieving the best quality standards of the market.”

On a positive note, demand for avocados remains steady, despite global trade disruptions. Nandwa emphasized that “global trade is also experiencing disruptions, but we see that demand for avocados remains solid. Kenyan origin remains resilient thanks to consistent Quality.” He mentioned that this stability is reflected in the increase of avocado acreage from 30,000 to 34,000 hectares this season.

Additionally, Nandwa highlighted the challenges posed by ongoing crises in the Red Sea, which impact Kenyan exports. He commented, “We are doing our best to adopt the latest technologies to delay fruit ripening, for example by using active CA containers, ethylene absorbers, etc., and this challenge has really opened the eyes of Kenyan growers and exporters, leading to better quality.”

In summary, the avocado industry in Kenya faces significant challenges due to climate change, notably altering the timing of harvests and impacting production. However, growers remain resilient, with increasing acreage and unwavering demand for high-quality avocados. The adaptation to these challenges through innovative practices provides a positive outlook for the future of Kenyan avocados in the global market.

Original Source: www.freshplaza.com