Abstract:
- Empirical data collected from small holder farmers
(N=99) residing in three Woredas of Jimma Zone, was
analyzed to investigate production issues pertaining to
avocados, and the pros and cons of producing the crop was
investigated. To address these tasks, field and desk research
was accompanied by interviews and discussions with Focus
Groups. Despite the crop’s potential, data suggest that
avocados have not yet been fully exploited in Jimma Zone
where the crop remains an elemental component of farming
systems. Results highlighted a shortage of large commercial
processors, weak financial institutions and monetary support,
and a lack of enabling infrastructure, especially such as
research, and extension to support farmers, and production
and marketing chains. Despite large production volumes, the
potential of avocado production is not being realized because of
these identified shortcomings. Consequently, intervention
points and socio-economic constraints are outlined in an
attempt to improve avocado production capabilities in Jimma
Zone
