Kenya boosts mango exports with fruit fly control

Mangoes are Kenya’s second most-produced fruit after bananas and rank third in export value after avocados. With an annual output of around 650,000 metric tons and a production value of €77.5 million (USD 84.4 million), the crop is vital for food security and the livelihoods of thousands of rural households.

Makueni County is the country’s leading producer, contributing nearly 30% of the national mango supply. The county grows over 4 million mango trees on 20,000 hectares, involving 78% of its farming households and producing approximately 200,000 metric tons annually.

However, farmers face challenges including pest infestations, post-harvest losses, and restricted access to premium markets. The fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) is a major threat, damaging fruit at various stages, reducing quality, and leading to rejection in both local and export markets. In 2014, Kenya imposed a self-ban on mango exports to the European Union due to fruit fly concerns, risking trade blacklisting.

A national response followed, uniting government bodies, research institutions, and development partners. The strategy included awareness campaigns, the adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) technologies, heat treatment of export fruit, and the creation of Pest-Free Areas (PFA) and Areas of Low Pest Prevalence (ALPP).

These efforts paid off. By 2021, Kenya lifted the export ban after improvements in compliance and quality. Makueni County led the way, establishing two ALPPs covering 5,400 hectares. By December 2022, fruit fly presence in these zones had dropped by 91.5% and 86%, respectively.

In addition to pest control, structural support has helped transform the value chain. The Makueni Fruit Processing Plant has expanded domestic and international trade capacity. Over 10,000 farmers have been trained in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), more than 2,000 are engaged in contract farming, and 40,000 certified seedlings have been distributed through supported nurseries.

Looking ahead, Makueni plans to extend the ALPP model to 10,000 more farmers across eight wards in 2023–2024.

Kenya’s mango sector is now positioned for growth, with improved phytosanitary compliance, value addition infrastructure, and access to global markets. By addressing fruit fly infestations through innovation and collaboration, Kenya is building a more resilient, export-ready mango industry that supports farmers and strengthens food systems.

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For more information:
Ministerie van Landbouw, Visserij, Voedselzekerheid en Natuur
Tel: +31 (0)70 379 8911
Email: [email protected]
www.agroberichtenbuitenland.nl

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