Avocado cultivation and biodiversity challenges

Publication date: 29/01/2024
Extent: 20 pages

Contributions by: Yvette Lange and Warren Maroun, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

Chapter synopsis:

Avocados, also referred to as alligator pears, butter fruits and ‘green gold’ are a blessing and a curse. The fruits are a high-value crop which can be used by farmers in emerging economies to generate much-needed income. Avocados are high in calories, vitamins and minerals and, as a result, can play an important role in complementing grain-based diets, improving health and offering food security in some of the world’s poorest countries. Unfortunately, these benefits come at a high price. The soaring global demand for avocados is contributing to unsustainable pressures on ecosystems and biodiversity. Large areas of land have to be cleared to make way for plantations, leading to deforestation, declining soil quality, water shortages and biodiversity loss. Environmental challenges are compounded by social ones such as unfair income allocations in the value chain, poor labour practices, inadequate regulation and the risk of organised crime.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2023.0128.21