Berries
Strawberries, Blueberries, Raspberry, Mulberry, etc.
Rwanda has partnered with BerryWorld and Tropic Cool to develop 150 hectares of premium blueberry and raspberry farms over five years, aiming to boost exports to Europe and the Middle East. Fruitnet+2Food Business Africa+2investorshangout.com+2
Regions Grown & Production by Country (2024)
Country | Key Berries | Major Production Regions | Estimated Area (Ha) |
Kenya | Strawberries | Kiambu, Murang’a, Nakuru, Nyeri | ~200 |
Ethiopia | Blueberries | Oromia, SNNPR | <100 |
Uganda | Raspberries, Blueberries | Kabale, Fort Portal, Mbale | <50 |
Tanzania | Mulberries, Strawberries | Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Iringa | ~150 |
Rwanda | Blueberries, Raspberries | Northern & Western Provinces | 150 (targeted) |
Note: Kenya’s strawberry production is projected to decrease by 8.7% annually over the next five years.ReportLinker
Top 5 African Berry Producers (2024)
| Rank | Country | Key Berries | Estimated Production Volume |
| 1 | South Africa | Blueberries, Strawberries | ~20,000 MT |
| 2 | Morocco | Blueberries, Raspberries | ~15,000 MT |
| 3 | Egypt | Strawberries | ~12,000 MT |
| 4 | Kenya | Strawberries | ~1,487 MT |
| 5 | Rwanda | Blueberries, Raspberries | Emerging industry |
Growth Trends (2000–2024)
- Kenya: Strawberry farming is gaining popularity due to high demand and profitability.
- Rwanda: The Rwanda Berries project aims to establish 150 hectares of berry farms over five years, focusing on premium varieties for export. Food Business Africa+1Farmonaut®+1
- Ethiopia: Blueberry and cranberry production areas have remained relatively flat, with less than 100 hectares under cultivation. IndexBox
Export Markets
- Kenya: Strawberry exports are limited but have potential for growth with improved quality and certification.
- Rwanda: The Rwanda Berries initiative targets exports to Europe and the Middle East, focusing on premium blueberry and raspberry varieties. Fruitnet+2Food Business Africa+2investorshangout.com+2
- Ethiopia: Blueberry exports have seen significant growth over the past seven years, despite a recent decline in shipments. IndexBox
Economic Impact
- Kenya: Strawberry farming is emerging as a lucrative agribusiness due to high demand both locally and internationally. However, production is projected to decrease by 8.7% annually over the next five years. Kenyan Magazine+1ReportLinker+1
- Rwanda: The Rwanda Berries initiative is set to create over 1,200 jobs and position the country as a key exporter of premium berries to Europe and the Middle East. Fruitnet
- Ethiopia: Blueberry cultivation remains limited, with less than 100 hectares under production.
Estimated Losses
- Pest & Disease: Up to 30% yield loss if unmanaged.
- Post-Harvest: Approximately 20% loss due to inadequate handling and storage.
Agronomic Challenges
| Challenge | Impact |
| Pests | Aphids, mites, and fruit flies affecting berry quality and yields |
| Diseases | Fungal infections like powdery mildew leading to reduced yields |
| Climate Stress | Drought and erratic rainfall impacting flowering and fruit set |
| Input Costs | High costs of quality seedlings and fertilizers |
| Post-Harvest Losses | Inadequate storage and processing facilities leading to quality degradation |