Flower Growing Industry in Africa - An Overview - Part 1
by E. Etta
Floriculture Industry in Africa - An Overview -Part 1
The History of the Floriculture Industry in Africa
In Africa, the large-scale, export-oriented floriculture industry really took off in the latter half of the 20th century in countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, and Morocco. African flower exports increased as a result of the energy crisis in the 1970s, that shot up the cost of heating greenhouses in northern countries. As a result, production moved south, where producing flowers all year round with less energy was possible. The global cut flowers market is valued at an estimated USD 36.4 billion, and is set to reach USD 53.36 billion by 2030.
Benefits of the Floriculture Industry in Africa
Contributes to the GDP - The flower industry has contributed significantly to the GDP of the African economy. Total African cut flower production is worth an estimated $1.4 billion annually in Kenya, and accounts for an estimated 17 percent of the global flower trade and an estimated 12 percent of Kenya’s export revenues, and 11 percent of Ethiopia’s export revenues. Other countries involved in the flower industry include Zimbabwe and South Africa
Provides Employment - Alleviates poverty in the growing areas.
Increases Revenue For Local Communities - This makes possible investment in social infrastructure, for example, schools, hospitals, and roads.
Empowers Women - Women make up a significant portion of the workforce in flower farms.
Advantageous Conditions for Flower Growing in Africa
Allows for year-round rather than seasonal flower production
High altitude areas with cool nights
Proximity to the equator → Which means maximum hours of sunlight
Main Growing Regions:
Kenya - One of the largest flower exporters in Africa, known for high-quality flowers: Roses, Carnations, and Chrysanthemums. Kenya’s flower industry, which is among the biggest globally, brings to the country’s economy approximately USD 835 million annually. The industry accounts for approximately 1% of the country’s GDP. The industry is one of the country’s largest sources of employment, with over 100,000 people working directly in the flower industry and an estimated two million indirectly. The Kenya Flower Council (KFC)) is, for instance, collaborating with smallholder growers, helping them access the necessary criteria and requirements, and even aggregating their flowers for markets.
Ethiopia - Produces mainly roses. Greenhouse investment has contributed to the country’s growth in the flower-growing industry. The Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) reports that the industry earns the country approximately USD 500 million annually.
South Africa - Known for a diverse range of indigenous flowers, for example, Proteas
Zimbabwe - Primarily exports roses
Challenges in the industry
Climate Change: Changes in the climate are making it more erratic. Floods and droughts have made it even harder to grow flowers.
Pest and Disease Management: Diseases like botrytis (gray mold) and pests like spider mites and thrips require careful, often expensive, Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
Labor issues: Labor shortages in the growing areas due to a high demand for workers, especially in areas where manual labor is intensive.
Logistics and Perishability: Flowers have a very short shelf life. Cold chain logistics, transportation, and specialized packaging are crucial to avoid spoilage.
Rising Input Costs: High energy costs for greenhouse heating are rising, and the expense of fertilizers and pesticides are pressing concerns.
Sustainability Demands: The industry is under pressure to reduce chemical use and carbon emissions, especially regarding cold-chain transport.
In the next episode, the focus will be on answers to the challenges and possible solutions to some of the issues. As well as opportunities for now and in the future.