Teso North MP DOku Kaunya’s avocado farming initiative marks a strategic shift from environmentally harmful and economically unsustainable crops like tobacco and cotton. With the global demand for avocados rising, this move offers a viable, long-term income source for farmers in the region. By distributing seedlings for free and encouraging sustainable agriculture, Kaunya is addressing economic and environmental concerns. However, for the project to succeed, it will require sustained farmer engagement, market access support and post-harvest infrastructure. If well implemented, the initiative could redefine Teso North’s agricultural landscape and serve as a model for other underperforming farming regions.
Teso North MP Oku Kaunya has introduced avocado farming in the constituency to increase household incomes and spur economic growth.
The MP launched the initiative during a farmers’ training session at the Osasame National Youth Service ground in Malaba.
He also unveiled a new avocado variety with high market potential at the event.
Kaunya said avocados are in high demand globally, with each fruit fetching up to Sh20. A single tree can produce between 500 and 1,000 fruits, making it a viable alternative cash crop for farmers in the region.
He said more than 40,000 avocado seedlings are currently available, with 10,000 already distributed—free of charge—to farmers who have prepared their farms.
“This avocado project is meant to replace cotton, which no longer benefits our farmers due to the collapse of local ginneries,” Kaunya said. “There is currently no effective cash crop in Teso North. Despite efforts to revive Malakisi Ginnery, which is yet to gain traction.”
The MP attributed the collapse of the cotton industry to the government's failure to provide critical support such as access to quality farm inputs.
He said avocado farming will fill the gap left by cotton and tobacco, crops that had previously served as a cash crop but posed serious environmental challenges. Kaunya said tobacco growing has contributed to deforestation and soil degradation due to use of harmful chemicals and the destruction of indigenous trees used for curing.
“We have discouraged farmers from growing tobacco because of its negative environmental impact,” he said. “Fruits like avocados provide a more sustainable and eco-friendly alternative.”
Kaunya said the seedlings, from NYS Yatta, are given to farmers free of charge, with only a token fee of Sh50 required to cover transport costs.
He said during his first term in Parliament, he planted avocado trees along key roads such as Koteko–Malaba and Angurai–Moding for beautification. However, political opponents incited youth to uproot the trees, claiming he had failed to engage all farmers.
“Despite the setbacks, we’re pressing on. This is a transformative project for our farmers,” Kaunya said.
Avocados are known for their nutritional benefits, being rich in healthy fats, fiber and essential vitamins and minerals. They contribute to heart health, support digestion and may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
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