Rungwe District Council has intensified efforts to address market challenges facing avocado farmers, with authorities targeting exploitative middlemen and expanding market access in a bid to improve returns from one of Tanzania’s fastest-growing horticultural crops.
Speaking during the Farmers’ Exhibition at the John Mwakangale Grounds in Mbeya on Saturday, the council’s Head of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Department, Adam Salum, said the district was implementing a range of measures aimed at strengthening production, improving produce quality and ensuring farmers receive fair prices.
He said agricultural extension officers continue to work closely with growers to promote the proper use of farm inputs and modern farming practices, with the goal of increasing the share of first-grade produce that meets both domestic and export market standards.
“As agricultural experts, we are focusing on advisory services and the correct use of inputs to reduce second-grade produce and increase the volume of first-grade crops that can compete in high-value markets,” Salum said.
Beyond avocados, he noted that Rungwe remains a key agricultural hub, with coffee production reaching 34,000 tonnes.
However, he said the avocado value chain continues to face challenges linked to informal traders who often purchase produce at prices below prevailing market rates, limiting farmers’ earnings despite growing demand for the fruit.
To improve transparency in trade, the government has established avocado collection centres where farmers and buyers can transact directly.
Rungwe currently has six such centres, with plans underway to identify additional locations to serve more producers.
According to Salum, the initiative is expected to create a more organised marketing system, improve price discovery and reduce the influence of middlemen.
“When farmers and buyers meet at designated collection centres, it becomes easier to ensure transparency and fair pricing. This will significantly reduce opportunities for middlemen to exploit farmers,” he said.
The district also benefits from three avocado production zones, allowing harvesting to take place at different periods of the year and ensuring a more stable supply to the market.
Salum said the council is exploring additional export destinations, including South Africa, as part of efforts to diversify markets and increase the competitiveness of Rungwe avocados abroad.
Farmers, however, say challenges remain.
Fodi Fungo, an avocado grower from Ntokela Village, said some traders continue to disregard government indicative prices, leaving farmers vulnerable to unfair pricing practices.
“Middlemen are still influencing prices despite the guidance provided by the government. There is also a need for more farmer education to ensure produce meets the standards required in national and international markets,” he said.
Another farmer, Brayson Bangula, said producers are increasingly organising themselves into groups to strengthen production and improve their negotiating power.
He said collective marketing has made it easier to attract large buyers while reducing dependence on intermediaries.
Farmers have also initiated plans to establish a processing facility to add value to avocados and increase revenues from the crop.
“Working together allows us to produce in larger volumes and access better markets. We have already started building our own processing factory to increase the value of our produce,” Bangula said.
The council’s efforts come as Tanzania seeks to expand horticultural exports, with avocados emerging as a key foreign-exchange earner.
Sector stakeholders say improving market structures, enhancing quality standards and investing in value addition will be crucial in ensuring farmers capture a greater share of the crop’s growing economic potential.
