The factors influencing avocado adoption in Bwikhonge sub county Bulambuli district

Abstract

The specific objective of this research was to assess the factors influencing low avocado adoption in Bwikhonge sub county, Bulambuli since Avocado is a very important horticultural crop in this district. However, no study has been conducted before on its adoption, farming and marketing, which necessitated for this research. A cross sectional survey covering 40 farmers in three selected parishes of Bwikhonge Sub County was conducted in January, 2023 Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the factors for low avocado adoption and their solutions. Most farmers were facing different problems such as post-harvest loses, limited training, and limited markets among others, which could be solved by use of post-harvest technologies, market diversification and post, training of more extension and improvement in information system. This study found out that adoption of avocados can be improved and promoted by improved farmer training, provision of marketing information and market infrastructure development. Findings of this research suggest the need for government and development partners to have credit facilities for farmers and avocado traders, improve on road and market infrastructures, and ensure postharvest training to market handlers for efficient avocado and agricultural commodity marketing for commercialization of the horticulture sector.