Avocado farmers in Kisii County are set to benefit from a transformative partnership between Control Union Kenya and the Riaima Empowerment Centre for Sustainable Agriculture (RECSA). The collaboration seeks to equip smallholder farmers with the skills, certification, and direct market linkages needed for sustainable and profitable avocado production.
Through the Control Union Mashinani initiative, the certification body aims to bring information and training on market standards directly to farmers at the grassroots level. The program focuses on simplifying the certification process and ensuring that small-scale producers understand the requirements for entering international markets. Once certified, farmers gain access to better buyers and higher prices, reducing dependency on exploitative middlemen.
Control Union’s global certification system verifies compliance with international standards such as GlobalG.A.P., organic, and regenerative agriculture certifications. This helps Kenyan farmers meet export requirements while promoting environmentally friendly practices. The organization has identified avocado as a strategic crop due to its growing global demand and suitability for the Kisii region’s fertile soils and favorable climate.
The Mashinani approach also encourages a shift from traditional to modern, compliant farming systems. By adopting best practices in crop management, pest control, and input use, Kisii farmers will be able to produce high-quality avocados that meet export market standards. This empowerment ensures long-term sustainability and improved livelihoods.
RECSA plays a key role in mobilizing farmers, offering training, and coordinating aggregation and delivery of produce. By uniting farmers into groups, the organization enables them to enjoy economies of scale and streamlined access to buyers. It also works closely with Control Union to ensure that farms meet certification criteria and that farming practices are continually monitored for compliance.
Through this collaboration, local farmers gain access to quality seedlings, professional guidance, and practical knowledge for improving yields. The initiative has already inspired many, including local growers who have successfully transitioned from maize to avocado farming. As more farmers adopt the crop, the region is expected to emerge as a major contributor to Kenya’s avocado exports.
With fertile land, a supportive climate, and structured market access, Kisii’s avocado farmers are well-positioned to tap into the lucrative global market. The Control Union Mashinani and RECSA partnership promises to turn smallholder farmers into globally competitive producers while fostering sustainable agriculture across the region.
