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Phase: Ideas Missions: Connection to Markets

Avocado Value Addition

We want to add value to avocados by extracting oil for export markets to bring new income and eliminate post harvest loss and spoilage.

Photo of Gerald Mbabazi
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EXPLAIN YOUR IDEA

In Kanungu, Uganda, there is a surplus of avocados that often go unused and spoil due to lack of storage and processing options. Avocados are a perennial crop that could be processed into valuable avocado oil for export, which would open new markets for this remote community. The idea is to implement appropriate technology that works with local resources and practices to produce renewable energy to power processing equipment for avocado oil as well as other agricultural processing equipment. Our partner, BSTEP, has developed and prototyped the technology, and it is ready to implement in villages throughout Uganda. This idea solves the immediate problem of wasted avocado and other agricultural products. It has the potential to solve many other problems rural residents face by providing electricity to rural homes. Something as simple as electricity to power lamps so that people can work after dark, on school work or other business administrative tasks.

WHO BENEFITS?

Initially the rural residents of the Kanungu District in Uganda will benefit as this piloted in villages within the district. The resident of Kanungu earn an average of $1.50 per day. Kanungu District is located in a remote mountainous region in southwestern Uganda, and they are often cut off from trade because of their remote locale. By being able to process value-added products within the community, farmers can ship the non-perishable versions out of the community for profitable returns.

WHERE WILL YOUR IDEA BE IMPLEMENTED?

Uganda.

ARE YOU IMPLEMENTING IN AN ELIGIBLE COUNTRY?

  • Yes

EXPERTISE IN SECTOR

  • I’ve worked in a sector related to my idea for over a year

EXPERIENCE IN IMPLEMENTATION COUNTRY(IES)

  • Yes, for more than one year.

TELL US MORE ABOUT YOU!

Gerald K Mbabazi on behalf of GreatLakes Regional University, Kanungu Uganda. GreatLakes Regional University was started to bring a university agri-business education closer to the rural people so as empower the commuity with education and

Avocado Oil Extraction:

During a recent agricultural survey done by Greatlakes university we have realized that nearly every household in a 50Km radius has two avocado trees and over 80% go bad after ripening as it all cant be consumed.

We believe we can empower every house hold with new income by adding value to avocado fruits which would otherwise go bad.

Greatlakes Regional University has obtained letters of intent from local and international companies who will buy all the produced product for various industrial and commercial use.

There is no doubt this process will create a by product from the pulp, seed and skins. In partnership with Base Structure of Technology Establishment Program(BSTEP), GreatLakes University will convert this into energy, both electric and bio mas. 

This inspired (1)

Farmers will save agriculture if they survive
Farmers will save agriculture if they survive

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Photo of Richard Okoe
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Hi Gerald,
You need to explain how the oil will be extracted. Is it from the seed or the pulp. Is the oil edible or for other commercial uses. What will be the type of machine to be used. How is it powered and what is the capacity. Other issues will include repairs and maintenance and availability of spare parts. Affordability of the machine is key not forgetting efficiency. Show evidence of demand for the oil as well as other market opportunities. Good luck.

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