Certified organic fertilizer improving yield for Tanzanian avocado farmers
Guavay Company Limited is a Tanzania-based organic fertilizer blender and manufacturer. It is the first company in Tanzania to locally produce EU and US certified organic fertilizer products, using local available materials. Branded as “Hakika Avocado Fertilizer”, the special fertilizer blend is targeted primarily for farmers growing avocados.
The fertilizer contributes to improving soil health and boosts soil productivity. The product contains natural growth promoters, beneficial micro-organisms that help in weed control and preserve soil moisture, thus requiring less water for irrigation. Through a network of more than 15 distributors across Tanzania, Guavay is working with more than 3000 avocado farmers in the Southern highlands and the Northern region of Tanzania. The fertilizer is specifically made for avocado growers, to support them in reaching their yield potentials by adding organic fertility to the soil. Since its introduction, the product has helped farmers to increase yield by 25-30%. This is an opportunity for avocado farmers to unlock export potentials to EU markets.
Who are the partners?
In its early days of product development, Guavay worked with international research institutions and organizations from the Netherlands such as Wageningen University, HIVOS and the Royal DSM Group. The company also is one of the partners in the EAT-FRESH project, a Public Private Partnership with TechForce Projects BV, GBRI Business Solutions Limited, Stichting Agriterra and National Economic Empowerment Council. The project is co-funded by RVO through the SDGP Facility and is aimed at making the Iringa and Njombe regions the hubs for production of high valued avocado, snow peas and French beans. The role of Guavay being training farmers on the benefit of using of organic fertilizer and showcase best agronomy practices in improving soil fertility.
Launching event
In July 2021, the company launched one of their flagship products in Njombe “Hakika Avocado Fertilizer” which has been under research for 3 years. This is the result of the R&D work conducted in partnership with the University of Dar es Salaam, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Makerere University and the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology.
Why focusing on avocados?
Avocados have become Tanzania’s latest green gold, bringing in at least $12 million annually by 2020, up from zero five years ago. Globally the avocado market is valued at more than $10billion. In Tanzania, the avocado is coming up as a main export product. It is the fastest growing sub sector in the horticulture industry driven by a growing demand in the international market. The main export market being Europe. According to the International Trade Centre (ITC) it is projected that avocado market will continue to grow at 30% which presents a sustainable growth opportunity for Guavay and for this proposed project.
Today’s modern agriculture and planting encourages soil fertility management and improvement. Understanding the need and demand of local farmers, Hakika offers a blended nutrient rich organic fertilizer made from an advanced science formulation for better soils and more yield.
For more information on Hakika Organic Fertilizer visit: www.hakikafertlizer.co.tz
For more information on EAT-FRESH Project please email project coordinator Mr. Steven Gajadin s.gajadin@techforce.nl or visit EAT: FRESH a Farmers’ Roadmap of Expanding Successful Horticulture.
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