By Guardian Reporter ,
Avocado growers in Rungwe District, Mbeya Region, have applauded government efforts to regulate and formalize the avocado trade, saying the interventions are helping to reduce abuses and protect farmers’ interests.
According to Frank Mwankenja, a local avocado farmer, the recent government push to identify and register avocado buyers and agents has been a major step in addressing persistent challenges in the sector, including theft of produce from farm stalls and fraudulent practices by unscrupulous middlemen.
He says farmers now feel more secure selling their produce to registered traders and that transparent dealings have reduced exploitation.
The Grain and Mixed Crops Regulatory Authority (COPRA) has been spearheading the process of formalizing the avocado business by registering buyers and intermediaries.
This initiative aims to protect the economic interests of both farmers and legitimate traders and to enhance accountability in the supply chain.
Tanzania’s avocado industry has grown rapidly in recent years, evolving into a key high‑value horticultural commodity both for domestic consumption and exports.
The country is ranked the third largest avocado producer in Africa, after South Africa and Kenya, and stands among the top 20 producers globally.
Latest estimates indicate Tanzania produces an average of around 190,000 tonnes of avocados annually, with production growing by roughly 20 to 30 percent per year over the last five years.
Avocado exports increased from about 17,700 tonnes (US$51 million) in 2021/22 to nearly 26,800 tonnes (U$ 77.3 million) in 2022/23, with 31,950 tonnes exported in 2023/24.
During 2025/26 avocado season is experiencing significant growth, with the country’s exports projected to reach over 35,000 tons, driven by high demand in Europe and India.
Rungwe District in Mbeya Region — along with neighbouring areas like Kyela and parts of Njombe — is one of the country’s leading avocado-producing areas, particularly for the high-value Hass variety that fetches strong prices in export markets.
The favourable climate at elevations between 400 m and 2,500 m above sea level makes the region ideal for avocado cultivation. Several studies show avocado farming has significantly improved farmers’ livelihoods in Rungwe and other producing districts.
Smallholder growers perceive avocado production as one of the most profitable agricultural activities compared to traditional crops.
Economic analyses confirm this trend, showing that investments in avocado orchards in Rungwe have demonstrated positive returns, with cost-benefit ratios and internal rates of return considerably above average agricultural benchmarks, indicating strong economic viability for producers selling into export markets.
Despite rapid growth, the sector faces challenges. Post-harvest losses due to inadequate handling and storage infrastructure remain a concern for smallholder farmers in Rungwe and Kyela.
Meeting stringent international quality standards, such as GlobalGAP, is essential for expanding access to premium markets in Europe, India, and the Middle East.
Regulatory reforms, including national avocado guidelines introduced in 2026, aim to standardize production and improve competitiveness in global markets.
With Tanzania’s avocado sector growing fast and Rungwe at the forefront of production, farmers say continued policy support, quality improvements, and enhanced market linkages could unlock further benefits for producers and the national economy.
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