Review on Avocado Value Chain in Ethiopia

Abstract

This is paper is aimed in reviewing Avocado value chain  and  major constraints along the chain in Ethiopia  It is known that Tropical  and  sub-tropical  fruit  can  make  a significant  direct  contribution  to  the  subsistence  of  small-scale  farmers by providing locally generate nutritious food that is often available when other agricultural  crops have  not  yet  been  harvested.  Avocado (Persea americana) is a native of Central America; avocado belongs to the family Lauraceae. Avocados contain many vitamins as well as folic acid and iron, no cholesterol. Ethiopia  is  agro-ecologically  diverse  and  has  a  total  area of 1.13  million  km²Avocado was first introduced to Ethiopia in 1938 by private orchardists in Hirna and Wondo-genet and production gradually spread into the countryside. ,the total cultivated area for Avocado  in  Ethiopia is 8938.24  hectares and  production  256331.64 quintals more area coverage is  expected  in  the  south-western  and  other  parts  of  the  country due  to  more  conducive  climatic  and  edaphic factors. Sources  of avocado planting materials Despite relatively early establishment, the avocado   sub sectors in Ethiopia is in its infancy and has not yet utilized   the potential of this crop. Most of the time Ethiopian   farmers did not give attention to good plant management. And improved seed varieties Fruit harvesting usually commences at fruit drop which is fruit for  both  fresh  and  processed  have  a  huge  domestic  market  in Ethiopia. Major constraints for Avocado marketing Ethiopia:-  Low price for product, low bargaining power of growers and perish ability  nature of the product..

Keywords: Avocado , value chain, production constraints