Adding Value for Avocados Grown in Kenya through Geographical Indications: a Legal Perspective
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Date
2021
Authors
Mwaura, Caroline
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Oxford University
Abstract
Avocado production in Kenya serves both subsistence
and commercial needs. Recent years have seen increased
consumption of the fruit both in and outside Kenya.
In fact, avocados are Kenya’s most exported fruits.1
Kenya is Africa’s top avocado exporter.2 It is the world’s
third largest producer of avocados.3
Avocados are a well-known food item (they are
added to meals such as githeri and feature in sandwiches and salads) that is also used in the cosmetic industry. The fruit’s high fat composition has been
associated with health benefits.
In 2020, high export figures for Kenya’s avocados
have been reported4
, even as it has emerged that just
ten per cent of the country’s avocado produce is
exported.5 Although this study did not find information
about the distribution of the remaining ninety per cent
of the produce, local consumption and losses likely account for the remainder or part thereof. The relatively
low export percentage is a source of concern for various
reasons. Among them is the reduced earning potential
for farmers. This is because, in addition to local sales,
exporting the produce earns foreign exchange which—
in turn—boosts revenue for farmers. It also expands
the market available for produce, thus assisting in
managing the risk that is inherent in relying solely on
the domestic market.
Smallholder farmers currently dominate avocado
production in Kenya.6 This article will highlight the
issues that this situation has generated. Among them is
the investment capacity by farmers to enhance value in
the crop. An important input in production for commercial purposes is the marketing of a product. In turn,
marketing is primarily driven by a product’s identity
and identifier(s), including a product’s name and reputation in an industry. It is on this basis that this article
explores the possible role that geographical indications
could have in enhancing revenue generation for avocado farmers in Kenya
Description
A Research Article in the Journal of Intellectual Property Law & Practice
Keywords
Citation
Mwaura, C. (2021). Adding value for avocados grown in Kenya through geographical indications: A legal perspective. Journal of Intellectual Property Law & Practice.