Avocados grown in Kenya have become one of the country’s most valuable horticultural exports, earning farmers significant income while positioning Kenya as a key supplier to international markets. Demand for Kenyan avocados particularly the Hass variety continues to grow across Europe, the Middle East and Asia, creating new opportunities for smallholder farmers across the country.
Behind this growth are thousands of farmers who have embraced avocado farming as a reliable source of livelihood. Counties such as Murang’a, Kiambu, Nyeri and parts of the Rift Valley have become central to the country’s avocado success story, with other emerging zones in the South Rift and the coastal hinterlands gradually taking shape. Among them, Murang’a stands out as one of the most vibrant production hubs. The county’s fertile soils, moderate climate and strong farmer organizations have enabled smallholder growers to produce large volumes of high-quality avocados that feed both domestic and export markets.
Challenges
The success however comes with new challenges. As avocado farming expands and production intensifies, farmers are encountering increasingly complex pest and disease pressures. At the same time, export markets are tightening regulations on pesticide residues, forcing growers to rethink how they protect their crops. Overreliance on synthetic pesticides has raised environmental concerns and, in some cases, contributed to pest resistance. For many farmers, the question is no longer just how to control pests, but how to do so safely, sustainably and in ways that meet international standards.
Adding to these concerns are emerging pest threats such as the Persea mite, an invasive pest that feeds on avocado leaves, causing bronzing, defoliation and reduced yields if not properly managed. As new pests appear and production systems evolve, farmers increasingly need practical knowledge and safer pest management tools that allow them to protect their orchards without compromising environmental health.
Role of biopesticides and other low-risk pest management solutions
The training then explored the role of biopesticides and other low-risk pest management solutions. Unlike conventional chemical pesticides, biopesticides are derived from natural organisms such as bacteria, fungi, beneficial insects or plant extracts. These products target pests while minimizing harm to beneficial organisms, the environment and the farmer applying them. As global markets continue to demand safer food production systems, these solutions are becoming increasingly important in horticulture.
One of the areas where farmers showed great interest was in learning how to correctly identify pests and diseases affecting their crops. Many pest problems worsen simply because they are misidentified or detected too late. Through guided discussions, farmers learned how to examine symptoms on leaves, stems and fruits, and how to distinguish between pest damage, disease infections and nutrient deficiencies.
A two-day sensitization workshop
It is on this background, that the Integrated Biopesticide Manufacturers Association -Kenya (IBMA-K) with support from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, organized a two-day sensitization workshop for the Rwegetha Farmers Self Help Group in Murang’a County. The training brought together farmers, technical experts, regulators and industry players to explore the role of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and biological solutions in modern avocado farming. The workshop combined classroom discussions with practical field demonstrations designed to make the learning directly applicable to farmers’ everyday work.
The conversations began with a simple concept of understanding the farm as a living ecosystem. Farmers were introduced to the principles of Integrated Pest Management, an approach that encourages observation, prevention and the careful use of control measures only when necessary. Rather than spraying pesticides automatically, IPM encourages farmers to first understand what is happening in their fields. What pests are present, how severe the problem is, and what natural solutions might already exist. They learned that there are many organisms in their farms that actually help control harmful pests. These are known as beneficial insects such as ladybird beetles, predatory mites and parasitic wasps that naturally suppress pest populations and play a crucial role in maintaining balance within the orchard.
Theory to practice
The training moved from theory to practice when farmers participated in field scouting exercises. Participants observed plants closely, and learned how to monitor pest populations. Equally engaging was the demonstration on biological control and the conservation of natural enemies. Facilitators explained that many pest outbreaks occur when beneficial insects are unintentionally destroyed through indiscriminate pesticide use. By protecting these natural allies and adopting selective pest management solutions, farmers can allow nature itself to help regulate pest populations.
The session also included hands-on demonstrations on trap placement and interpretation. Farmers were shown how traps can be used to monitor pest activity, helping them determine when pest levels are increasing and when control measures are necessary.
The workshop shifted focus toward understanding the range of biological and low-risk pest control products available in Kenya. Experts from the Pest Control Products Board guided farmers through the process of identifying registered pest control products and avoiding illegal or counterfeit products that sometimes circulate in rural markets. Equally important was learning how to evaluate the effectiveness of pest control interventions. Farmers were introduced to post-application monitoring techniques that help determine whether a treatment has worked and whether additional action is needed. This approach encourages evidence-based decision making rather than routine spraying. Illegal pesticides pose significant risks to human health and the environment, but also to Kenya’s reputation in export markets. Farmers were encouraged to always verify product registration, purchase inputs from authorized agro-dealers and follow recommended usage instructions carefully.
Beeld: Avocado. Demo on trap placement
Emphasizing the importance of soil health
Beyond pest control, the training also emphasized the importance of soil health in building resilient farming systems. Healthy soils support stronger plants that are better able to withstand pest attacks and environmental stress. Farmers learned about the role of organic matter, microbial activity and balanced nutrient management in maintaining productive avocado orchards. The discussion naturally led into the growing role of bio-fertilizers and bio-stimulants. These products enhance soil microbial life, improve nutrient availability and strengthen plant growth, offering farmers alternatives to heavy reliance on synthetic fertilizers. When combined with good soil management practices, these solutions can contribute to healthier crops, improved yields, and ultimately increased incomes for the farmers.
Complementing the training sessions was a vibrant exhibition where several biopesticide companies showcased solutions available to Kenyan farmers. Representatives from Andermatt Kenya Ltd, Koppert Kenya Ltd, Elephant Vert East Africa Ltd, Real IPM Company Ltd, Ahava Organics Ltd, Russell BIO and Bioline Agrosciences engaged directly with farmers, demonstrating biological pest control technologies and explaining how they can be integrated into everyday farming practices.
Interacting with industry experts
For many farmers, the exhibition provided a rare opportunity to interact directly with industry experts, ask questions and see firsthand the innovations shaping the future of sustainable agriculture. For the members of the Rwegetha Farmers Self Help Group, the two-day workshop was an opportunity to rethink how they manage their farms, embrace new solutions, technologies and strengthen the sustainability of their avocado orchards.
As Kenya’s avocado industry continues to expand, initiatives such as this training workshop are becoming increasingly important. Farmers must balance the need to increase production with the responsibility of protecting ecosystems, meeting export standards and ensuring the safety of their produce. To support the growing global demand for Kenyan avocados, public and private partnerships will be even more important, towards ensuring that compliance is achieved, and that farmers will not only produce more fruit but do so in ways that protect their environment, their health and the future of Kenya’s horticulture sector.