According to the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), the initiative will see 240,000 avocado seedlings planted on 800 hectares and 60,000 mango seedlings planted on 200 hectares nationwide.
The expansion plan targets five districts for avocado cultivation, including Rusizi in the Western Province, Huye and Nyanza in the Southern Province, and Rwamagana and Bugesera in the Eastern Province.
The seedlings will be grafted, a specialized horticultural technique that merges parts of different plants to enhance traits like yield, quality, and resilience.
For mango cultivation, the government will focus on Rusizi and Bugesera, planting across 200 hectares.
In addition to avocados and mangoes, Rwanda plans to scale up macadamia production by planting 102,000 seedlings on 100 hectares in Nyamasheke, Karongi, Rusizi, Rutsiro, and Rwamagana districts.
The efforts are part of a broader strategy to expand Rwanda's production of high-value horticultural crops, including mangoes, avocados, and macadamia, to strengthen the country's position in global horticultural markets.
Data from NAEB released last year shows that between 2017 and 2022, Rwanda's avocado export volumes increased from 105.4 metric tons in 2016/2017 to 2,765 metric tons in 2021/2022, while revenues soared from $37,155 to $4,533,801 during the same period.
The Hass and Fuerte avocado types are the three most popular varieties in Rwanda.
Jean Bosco Mulindi, Emerging Commodities Division Manager at NAEB, emphasized that the plan aims to increase agricultural exports while enhancing the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
'By focusing on high-demand crops like mango, avocado, and patchouli, NAEB continues to drive the growth of Rwanda's horticulture sector and contribute to the overall development of the country's agro-export economy,' Mulindi said.
The initiative is funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and aims to boost productivity and incomes for farmers while creating valuable job opportunities.
A significant component of the program involves the community-based production of seedlings, with active participation from youth and women's groups. This inclusive approach is expected to uplift the living standards of participants and their families.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
