The document discusses the production and scaling of high-value fruit trees (HVFTs) in the Ethiopian highlands to improve nutrition and incomes of smallholder farmers while addressing climate change impacts. Key results include the successful introduction of avocado and apple varieties with high survival rates, training for over 290 beneficiaries, and the establishment of nurseries for HVFTs. Challenges such as a lack of knowledge and seedling shortages were identified, while the initiative aims to enhance food security through sustainable farming practices.

1. High value fruit trees production and scaling in the Ethiopian highlands
Workneh Dubale1, Mohammed Ebrahim1, Addisu Asfaw1, Temesgen Alene1, Abiye Astatke2, Amerga Menji3, Kindu Mekonnen1 and Peter Thorne1
1International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Ethiopia
2Faji temperate fruits and related products development, Debre Birhan, Amhara region
3Butajira fruit nursery and training center, Butajira, SNNPR
Introduction
High value fruit trees (HVFTs) are useful to improve nutrition and
diversify incomes of smallholder farmers in the Ethiopian
highlands. They have also potential role to moderate the effects of
climate change. The Ethiopian highlands have conduce
environment to grow HVFTs. However, lack of knowledge, poor
matching of species to the growing niches and shortage of
improved seedlings are hampering their expansions. Hence, it is
time to give more attention and facilitate HVFTs production and
scaling in the Ethiopian highlands.
Results/Achievements
Method/Approaches
 Introduction and validation of 5 varieties (Hass, red 30, Nabal,
Ettinger and Fuerte) of Avocado (Percia america) and Apple
(Malus domestica Borkh) in Africa RISING sites.
 Capacity building (training and visits)
 Facilitate scaling of HVFTs and beneficiary tracking
 The avocado varieties in Lemo and apple varieties in Sinana
and Endamehoni Africa RISING sites survived well and set
fruits. Survival rates for avocado varieties is 90 to 100% and
for apple 75 to 96%.
 Africa RISING facilitated scaling of HVFTs and benefited 2657
hhs (Table 1).
 A total of 294 beneficiaries received training on HVFTs in
SNNPR, Amhara and Tigray regions.
 Fruit yield per avocado tree ranges from 25 to 150 kg. Yield
increases as age of the trees increases over time.
 The rank of the avocado varieties based on test, shelf life and
oil content: Hass > Ettinger > Fuerte > red 30 > Nabal (source:
Butajira training and horticulture center, 2019).
 Facilitate establishment of kebele, village and private
based nurseries for HVFTs
 Organize training on grafting and management of
HVFTs
 Quick assessment on the status of the HVFTs and
community needs
 Work more on yield and quality of HVFTs fruits
 Facilitate scaling of the Africa RISING validated
HVFTs
Plan for 2019
• Diseases and pests
• Shortages of grafted seedlings
• Lack of knowledge on the management of HVFTs
The Africa Research In Sustainable Intensification for the Next Generation (Africa RISING) program comprises three research-for-
development projects supported by the United States Agency for International Development as part of the U.S. government’s Feed the
Future initiative.
Through action research and development partnerships, Africa RISING will create opportunities for smallholder farm households to move out
of hunger and poverty through sustainably intensified farming systems that improve food, nutrition, and income security, particularly for
women and children, and conserve or enhance the natural resource base.
The three projects are led by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (in West Africa and East and Southern Africa) and the
International Livestock Research Institute (in the Ethiopian Highlands). The International Food Policy Research Institute leads an
associated project on monitoring, evaluation and impact assessment.
www.africa-rising.net
Key challenges and lessons
We thank farmers, Faji integrated farm in Debre Birhan, Butajira HVFTs nursery, local partners in Africa RISING sites and ICRAF
for their contributions to this research. We also thank USAID for its financial support through the Feed the Future Initiative.
Acknowledgement
Photos 1. Improved apple (top) and avocado (bottom)
varieties introduced in Africa RISING sites of the
Ethiopian highlands.
Table 1. High value fruit trees scaled in Amhara and SNNPR through
Africa RISING facilitation.
Type of
HVFTs
Region/ Africa RISING
site
Male
HHs
Female
HHs
Total
HHs
Number
of grafted
seedlings
Avocado SNNPR (Hadiya) 909 115 1024 5733
Apple Amhara (North Shewa) 1453 180 1633 36027