Avocado Nursery as Business Source: Success Story of Youth Groups in the Case of Aleta Wondo and Soro Districts, Ethiopia

Agriculture is available and essential sector to create employment opportunity. The majority of the youth in Ethiopia live in rural areas where farming has been traditionally the main source of livelihood. Strengthening of seedling production was initiated to promote Avocado in Ethiopia. Youths in these areas benefitted in terms of income source and employment opportunity by producing improved avocado seedlings. The project was implemented in two districts (Soro and Aleta wondo) of Ethiopia. Jajura site from Soro district, Belisto Kebele from Aleta wondo were selected to conduct improved Avocado seedling produce. Job opportunity was created for 17 youths (10 male and 7 female) and their skill and knowledge on the Avocado seedling grafting techniques and nursery management improved. Majority of youths have knowledge and skill on bed preparation, seedling care, grafting and avocado improved varieties. Improved and grafted avocado seedlings were accessed for the surrounding farmers in affordable price. Nursery considered as business source in the study area. The fruit supply system has already started to scale up and out beyond the study sites, calling for strong support of the intervention. It is therefore believed that, in addition to district, zonal and regional level offices, the Ethiopian agricultural research institute will be strongly involved in regulating these efforts.