Avocado Farming Transforms Lives in Kipanga Village

Avocado farming has transformed the life of Ayubu Yonathan Kinyele, a resident of Kipanga Village in Kibengu Ward, Mufindi District. As a proud member of the Nguvukazi Daima group, Ayubu began his journey by planting 30 avocado seedlings, thanks to support from the Eastern Arc Mountains Conservation Endowment Fund (EAMCEF). Each tree now yields around 300 fruits annually, earning him about TZS 2.7 million per season from fruit sales at TZS 300 each.

With the steady income from avocado farming, Ayubu has paid school fees for his two children—one in Form Four in Njombe and another in Form Five in Kilolo. He has also purchased a plot of land worth TZS 1.5 million, a motorcycle for farm access and town trips, a 24-inch TV, and a solar power system worth TZS 450,000. Ayubu plans to expand his success by planting 100 more avocado seedlings and eventually connecting his home to the national power grid.

The impact of avocado farming extends beyond Ayubu’s household. In Kipanga Village, families now enjoy nutritious, affordable avocados at TZS 200–400, compared to the previous TZS 500–700 when relying on supplies from Mafinga. This shift has improved nutrition—especially for children—and contributed to better health and learning outcomes.

Local traders are also benefiting. A single bucket of avocados bought at TZS 10,000 can now sell for TZS 18,000–20,000, increasing household incomes and reducing reliance on forest exploitation. This growing trend of avocado farming is playing a vital role in reducing human pressure on the nearby Uzungwa Scarp Nature Forest Reserve.

Thanks to EAMCEF’s support, avocado farming is not only driving economic empowerment in Kipanga Village but also contributing to forest conservation and long-term community resilience.