Uganda’s agriculture sector is experiencing a quiet transformation, as farmers and agribusiness investors shift attention to non-traditional high-value crops like avocados and macadamia nuts.
Long dominated by coffee, tea, and cotton, Uganda’s export crop landscape is gradually welcoming what some are calling a new “cash crop wave,” driven by rising global demand, changing climatic patterns, and efforts to diversify the country’s export earnings.
In recent years, avocados especially the Hass variety and macadamia nuts have gained popularity among both smallholder and commercial farmers in Uganda.
This surge in interest is largely driven by global trends. The international market for avocados has expanded rapidly, with consumers in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia seeking healthier, plant-based fats.
Likewise, demand for macadamia nuts is growing steadily, particularly in the snack and confectionery industries. Countries like Kenya, South Africa, and Peru have already tapped into these markets and now Uganda is keen to join the race.
The government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), is actively promoting diversification into these crops.
Under the Agro-Industrialization Program of the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), Uganda is targeting export-oriented agriculture that can fetch higher returns per acre, while creating employment and boosting rural incomes.
The long-term goal is to position Uganda not just as a food basket for domestic consumption, but as a competitive exporter of premium produce in regional and global markets.
One of the key advantages Uganda has is its favourable agro-climatic conditions. The country’s varied altitudes, fertile soils, and two rainy seasons make it ideal for growing both avocados and macadamia nuts in several regions.
Districts like Bushenyi, Kabarole, Mubende, Mbale, Luwero, and parts of Central Uganda have already begun seeing a rise in small and medium-sized avocado plantations.
For macadamia, which requires well-drained soils and moderate rainfall, farmers in areas like Kabale, Mityana, and Wakiso are showing growing interest.
The private sector is also stepping in. A number of agribusiness companies have begun supporting out-grower schemes, supplying certified seedlings, providing extension services, and establishing collection and processing centres.
Some exporters are already targeting niche organic markets and working towards certifications that will allow Ugandan produce to meet the strict standards of the EU and other high-income destinations.
With proper quality assurance, traceability, and branding, Uganda’s avocados and macadamias could fetch premium prices abroad.
Financial institutions and development partners are beginning to recognize the potential in these crops as well. There is increasing support through agro-financing facilities, climate-smart agriculture programs, and export promotion schemes.
The Uganda Export Promotion Board (UEPB) has identified avocados as a priority crop, with opportunities to tap into the European Union’s growing avocado market, which is currently dominated by suppliers from Latin America and Kenya.
However, despite the promise, the journey is not without challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is the long gestation period for both avocados and macadamia trees.
For many smallholder farmers who depend on fast-turnaround crops for income, waiting three to five years before the first major harvest can be a significant barrier.
This calls for patient capital, intercropping strategies, or income support schemes to make the transition viable.
Another challenge is the lack of adequate post-harvest infrastructure and value addition facilities. For instance, poor handling can cause physical damage to avocados, making them unsuitable for export.
Likewise, macadamia nuts require cracking, drying, and packaging facilities that meet export-grade standards.
At present, Uganda has limited facilities to handle these crops at scale, which means much of the potential harvest risks going to waste or being sold at lower prices on the domestic market.
Quality control, certification, and access to export logistics are also key issues. To enter competitive markets like the EU, the Gulf, or Asia, Uganda’s produce must meet strict phytosanitary requirements and food safety standards.
This requires robust farmer training, quality assurance systems, and coordination between regulatory agencies and exporters.
As the country positions itself for agro-industrialization, developing these systems will be critical to building a sustainable and profitable value chain.
Despite these hurdles, the outlook is encouraging. With the right policy support, infrastructure investments, and private sector partnerships, avocados and macadamia nuts could become major contributors to Uganda’s non-traditional exports.
The potential to integrate thousands of smallholder farmers into global value chains also aligns with national goals for inclusive growth, rural development, and increased foreign exchange earnings.
Uganda stands at the threshold of a promising new export opportunity. If nurtured properly, the avocado and macadamia sectors could complement traditional cash crops, diversify the country’s agricultural exports, and open up new markets for Ugandan farmers.
What started as a niche interest is now growing into a national opportunity, one that may well define the next chapter in Uganda’s agricultural transformation.
