Burundi Avocado Farmers Unite to Secure Fair Prices and Boost Agricultural Economy

Burundi, a small, landlocked country in East Africa, is experiencing a transformation in its agricultural sector, specifically in avocado farming. For years, avocado farmers in Burundi struggled to secure fair prices for their produce due to the informal and unregulated nature of the trade. Exporters from neighboring countries often dictated prices, leaving many farmers with as little as 10 cents per kilogram of avocados. However, thanks to the efforts of cooperatives and government intervention, Burundi avocado farmers are now witnessing a substantial improvement in their earnings, significantly impacting the local economy.

The Exploitation of Burundi Avocado Farmers

In the past, Burundi’s avocado trade was dominated by foreign exporters who roamed rural areas during harvest seasons, purchasing avocados directly from farmers in unregulated roadside transactions. These exchanges, which occurred without oversight, allowed exporters to set prices far below market value, leaving farmers at a disadvantage. With many rural communities depending heavily on agriculture for their livelihood, the exploitation in the avocado trade contributed to the cycle of poverty experienced by small-scale farmers.

For example, farmers received just 10 cents per kilogram of avocados—a price that was not only below fair market value but insufficient to sustain a decent standard of living in a country where agriculture is the primary economic activity​.

The Role of Cooperatives and Government Support

To address this issue, the Burundian government, alongside local cooperatives like Green Gold Burundi, implemented a series of reforms aimed at protecting the interests of local avocado growers. Green Gold Burundi, a cooperative representing over 200,000 farmers nationwide, has been a key player in the movement to secure fair prices for Burundian farmers. By acting as an intermediary between the farmers and exporters, the cooperative ensures that growers receive a fair price and that payments are processed transparently.

Under the new cooperative model, Burundi avocado farmers now earn approximately 70 cents per kilogram—a significant improvement from the past​. Payments are made directly to the cooperative bank accounts in U.S. dollars, which are then distributed to the farmers. This method not only guarantees fair compensation but also eliminates the middlemen who once exploited the farmers​.

The government’s involvement has been equally instrumental in regulating the avocado trade. It introduced measures that require foreign buyers to register with local authorities and submit contracts that specify the price agreements and market destinations for Burundian avocados. This move has helped establish a structured and fair trading environment, ensuring that the economic benefits of avocado exports are felt by local communities rather than external actors​.

Diversification of Burundi’s Agricultural Economy

Traditionally, Burundi’s economy has relied heavily on coffee and tea exports to earn foreign currency. However, as global demand for avocados has surged, the Burundian government has identified avocado farming as a viable avenue to diversify its agricultural exports. The aim is to reduce the country’s dependence on coffee and tea while capitalizing on the lucrative avocado market. The government’s strategic plan targets the export of over 10 million tonnes of avocados annually by 2030​.

As part of this effort, the government plans to plant 50,000 avocado trees in each of Burundi’s 17 provinces. The focus is on the Hass variety, which is preferred in international markets, particularly in Europe and the United States. This variety, known for its thick, bumpy skin and longer shelf life, is well-suited for export. By promoting the cultivation of Hass avocados, the government hopes to position Burundi as a significant player in the global avocado market​.

ALSO READ: Cocoa Prices Reach Record Highs Amid West African Agricultural Crisis

Economic Impact on Farmers and Rural Communities

The new cooperative model and government policies have already begun to show positive effects. In provinces like Kayanza, avocado farmers such as Eric Nsabimana have witnessed a significant improvement in their income. Nsabimana, who initially planted avocados after former President Pierre Nkurunziza’s 2007 campaign promoting the fruit as a source of nutrition and income, now earns substantially more from his harvests. In some years, Nsabimana has made over $6,000, allowing him to purchase additional land and expand his avocado farm to five hectares.

For many Burundian farmers, the shift to regulated and fair avocado trade has transformed their economic prospects. Avocado farming, once seen as a low-value crop, is now a reliable source of income that offers economic stability in a region where annual per capita income is among the lowest globally, at just $199 in 2023.

The cooperatives also provide other benefits, including access to free seedlings, organic manure, and training on best agricultural practices. These resources help farmers improve their yields and produce high-quality avocados that meet international standards. As a result, more farmers are joining the cooperative movement, planting more avocado trees, and viewing avocado farming as a viable business

The Challenges Ahead

Despite the progress made, Burundi avocado farmers still face challenges. The current price of 70 cents per kilogram, while an improvement, is still significantly lower than the $3 to $5 per kilogram that exporters receive on international markets. Closing this gap will require continued efforts from cooperatives and the government to strengthen the negotiating power of local farmers and further regulate export practices to ensure fair trade.

One of the main obstacles remains the presence of unregulated middlemen. Despite the government’s new regulations, there are reports of Burundian avocados being transported to neighboring Tanzania, where they are repackaged and exported under Tanzanian labels. This practice undermines efforts to promote Burundi’s avocados as a distinct brand in global markets

The Path Forward: Scaling Up and Enhancing Trade Regulation

To overcome these challenges, the government and cooperatives need to strengthen monitoring and enforcement measures. Ensuring that avocados exported from Burundi are correctly labeled as such will help build a reputation for Burundian produce, potentially increasing its value in international markets. Cooperatives like Green Gold Burundi are already taking steps to register avocado farmers and formalize their trade activities, which could lead to further improvements in pricing and income for local farmers.

Additionally, there is a need for more education and training programs that equip farmers with the knowledge and tools required to produce avocados that meet the high standards demanded by international markets. Such initiatives will not only enhance the quality of Burundi’s avocado exports but will also position the country competitively in a global market dominated by major exporters like Mexico and Peru.

Conclusion

The transformation of Burundi’s avocado trade is a testament to the power of collective action and government intervention in supporting local economies. By uniting through cooperatives and enforcing fair trade regulations, Burundi avocado farmers are now able to secure fair prices for their produce, improving their livelihoods and contributing to the national economy.

As the country works towards exporting over 10 million tonnes of avocados annually by 2030, the efforts made today will set the foundation for a sustainable and profitable agricultural future. With continued support from cooperatives and the government, the avocado industry in Burundi has the potential to become a significant driver of economic growth, lifting thousands of farmers out of poverty and diversifying the nation’s agricultural exports