Analysis of challenges faced by smallholder farmers in avocado production in Gisagara District, Rwanda

Avocado is a multipurpose perennial fruit that has been grown for its flavor, nutritional value, and socioeconomic benefit in Rwanda and other parts of the world. Despite the importance of the avocado crop in Rwanda, there is an inadequate avocado yield that can fetch good prices in the local and international markets. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyse the challenges faced by smallholder farmers in avocados production in Gisagara District, Rwanda. This study used a survey research design. Data were collected from 143 avocado farmers using closed- and open-ended questionnaires, Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and key informant interview. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science version 30. Frequency, percentages, Likert scale, means and standard deviation were used to analyze the data. Findings revealed that the main challenges affecting avocado production include limited access to quality seedlings, inadequate knowledge about good farming practices, ineffective access to production inputs, and pests and diseases. Availability of quality avocado seedlings is requisite to quality avocado fruits for local and international markets. The study findings provided useful information among the avocado value chain actors on the challenges faced by smallholder farmers in avocado production in Gisagara District, and Rwanda in general. The study recommends the establishment of an avocado innovation platform where different actors along the avocado value chain can come together to find out the innovative solutions to these challenges.