coffee growing areas in kenya

If you are really curious about Kenyan coffees, it is important to taste them first, reading about them is not so effective. This area produces a cup with sharp citrus acidity and a full body. (Kenya Coffee Traders Association), #15. In the Nairobi Coffee Exchange, Ibero Ltd. purchased the most coffee from the industry, accounting for 16.5% of all coffee sold. To help growers maximize their profits, the government of Kenya allows farmers to sell their coffee directly to international buyers. Agents who work with coffee growers in Kenya are required to pay a 4% levy on any sales contract, in addition to fees on permits and certificates. And, given the pooled system, any untreated coffee will be mixed with chemically-grown coffee, and it will be nearly impossible to know what is what. In addition, the sector continues to grapple with other challenges including: increasing cost of labor and inputs; About 70% of Kenyan coffee is produced by small- scale holders. (U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization [FAO]), #7. The high plateaus of Mount Kenya, plus the acidic soil provide excellent conditions for growing coffee. (U.S. Department of Agriculture), #5. Kenya almost to the capital, Nairobi. Farmers are also permitted to sell on contract their coffee through the Nairobi Coffee Exchange, which is a spot market that has been in operations since the 1930s. With the liberalization of the Kenyan coffee market, more and more specialty roasters are buying small lots directly from farmers, often providing detailed information on the farms. Recovery efforts are in place to improve production levels. Coffee Board of Kenya (CBK) estimates that more that 70 percent of Kenyans who drink coffee take imported brands. Current coffee growing areas in Ethiopia could decrease by up to 60% given a temperature rise of 4C by the end of the century, the study by Kew Gardens and collaborators in … Mount Kenya is considered an Important Bird Area, and agricultural expansion and intensification is considered an important threat. Tanzania — Grows both arabica (70%) and robusta. Young trees are planted in black, vo… I was pleased to find a very recent paper on a related topic [1], but was surprised to read “Information on bird communities in Afrotropical agroecosystems is particularly scarce and, to our knowledge, only two studies have been conducted in eastern Africa.” I have no direct information, then, on how coffee growing has influenced biodiversity in Kenya. There are currently 176 million bearing trees producing coffee for farmers in Kenya. Kenya highlands, to the chocolaty, full-bodied coffees of the estate sector. (Kenya Coffee Traders Association), #16. Ethiopia is the oldest known producer of coffee and is the origin of Coffea Arabica itself. Here, nature provides just the right environment for the coffee trees on the slopes of the active Mauna Loa volcano. In 2016, 17% of the industry’s total crop went to the country, or about 7,500 tons. Copper contamination of soil and vegetation in coffee orchards after long-term use of Cu fungicides. Still, even with this Kenya coffee's specialty status Kenya coffee farmers still remain among the poorest in the world. factors influencing coffee production by small scale farmers: a case of tetu constituency, kenya. Germany is the leading export destination for the Kenya coffee industry. The coffee industry of Kenya is noted for its cooperative system of production, processing, milling, marketing, and auction system. Samples are available to bidders prior to the weekly auction, and the highest bidder gets the lot. Copyright © 2005-2021 Coffee & Conservation. Biodiversity in coffee areas. (U.S. Department of Agriculture), #2. Avian diversity in a Kenyan agroecosystem: effects of habitat structure and proximity to forest. In terms of yield, cooperatives have a 28% share of the industry. Adam Posey. Major Soil Types in Kenya Andosols (young volcanic soils) Andosols occur in areas with steep slopes and high-rainfall. Yikes!  Coffee rust (Hemileia vastarix) is a common problem, and is treated with copper fungicides; copper builds up in soils after years of treatment. You found our African green coffee list! The main coffee growing areas in Kenya stretch south from the slopes of the 17,000 foot Mt Kenya across to the capital Nairobi. The coffee varieties grown in Kenya are often Bourbon types with alpha-numerical names, all beginning “SL”. As part of a just completed trip to Kenya, I visited some farms and coops in the classic Kenya growing regions northeast of Nairobi. By rainfall over 1000 mm per year, andosols are exposed to excessive leaching. Forest covers only less than 2% of the land area in Kenya (around 5% counting modified forests), a loss of 80% of its original extent. The main coffee producing regions are: Harrar, Sidamo, and Yirgacheffe. The coffee harvest in Kenya is a yearly traditional and menial activity that is performed by locals for a really low price. Excerpts (<150 words) may be used non-commercially only with attribution that includes a link back to this site AND text stating that the material originally appeared at Coffee & Conservation. There has been a push to grow more Ruiru 11 coffee trees in Kenya because it offers a better planting density. by mugwe joyce watheri a research project report submitted in partial Another 2 million non-bearing trees are also part of the industry. Measures are in place to increase production levels up to 48,000 metric tons. This means quality is rewarded, and the careful consumer can also be rewarded with great coffee. The first crop, called the “fly crop,” is harvested between September and December each year. Until there is an improvement in coffee facilities and stability brought into the market, low returns are the most likely outcome for this industry. Kenya coffee growing regions include Ruiri, Thika, Kirinyaga, Mt. You're paying WHAT for single-serve coffee? Sometimes it may be labeled with a regional, estate, or co-op name, but finding information on these is nearly impossible for the average consumer. In total, about 40,000 metric tons of coffee products are produced by the industry each year. A total of 150,000 hectares of arable land in Kenya is planted with coffee. [1] Laube, I., N. Breitbach, and K. Bohning-Gaese. Plans are also in place for tree irrigation in the western part of the country, which may reduce expenditures for farmers by up to 30%. [3] Loland, J., and B. R. Singh. Much of the coffee in Kenya is grown on small farms, often seen on mountainsides. Kenya's coffees are world-renowned for good reason: Nothing tastes quite like them. It will vastly improve transparency, has the potential for really improving the lives of the farmers, and gives consumers a chance to motivate and encourage the production of coffee grown with fewer chemicals in conditions that favor the return of biodiversity to their land. Then the second crop, or the “main crop,” is harvested at some point between March and July. Coffee Growing Regions of Asia Ethiopia tops the list every year, probably because it’s coffee’s birthplace. Kenya, the Aberdares Range and some parts of Nyanza and Rift Valley. (FAO), #9. Being a coffee superpower requires years of … (Kenya Coffee Traders Association) #16. I saw a slide in a presentation by the Coffee Board of Kenya shows the essentials of planting out young coffee trees: top soil, sub soil, manure, and furadan (carbofuran). These trees cover a total of 112,000 hectares in the country. About 10 billion shillings per year is added to the national GDP from the industry. Kenya (Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Embu and Meru), Nakuru, Machakos, and Kiambu (mostly estates, includes towns and coffees labeled Ruiru, Thika, Juja and Makuyu). The Kenya coffee industry benefits from the fact that they have two harvests for year. Total outputs have been cut by two-thirds. Coffee from Ethiopia is famous for the complex, bright, and fruity flavors it embodies. Conclusions There isn’t much certified organic coffee from Kenya. Counter Culture Coffee has offerings such as this, and product descriptions include a link to a Google Map of the source. Share. In 2015, the imports totaled 20,000 bags of soluble products. When coffee is grown in shade, it is under banana trees. (Forbes), #12. The Kenya coffee industry is targeting the U.S. market, as coffee consumption in the States is growing at 6% in revenue and 4% in volume. The total value of their purchases was $28.6 million. You may also see it referred to as ‘Nairobi’. Coffee is obviously an important crop, grown in sensitive areas that are facing numerous pressures. Even better, aim for a micro-lot or sub-lot of coffee from a particular cooperative; these will sometimes be labeled with the name of the co-op, and an auction lot number, or the co-op and the “factory” name (the mill or what would be called the beneficio in Spanish). Coffee … Even after all this, however, the economic drive of the industry continues to make it a leading cash crop for the country. Kenya West, Nyeri, Kiambu, and Muranga. 50% of the levy goes to the Coffee Research Foundation, with the remainder split between the local coffee board and community governments. Pests, climate change, and disease are major threats to the industry. ", 15 Laissez Faire Management Style Advantages and Disadvantages, Tesla SWOT Analysis (2021): 33 Biggest Strengths and Weaknesses, 14 Core Values of Amazon: Its Mission and Vision Statement, Is AliExpress Legit and Safe: 15 Tips for Buyers, How Does Zoom Make Money: Business Model Explained, A Look at Southwest Airlines Mission Statement: 10 Key Takeaways, Apple’s Mission Statement and Vision Statement Explained, How Does WhatsApp Make Money: Business Model & Revenue Explained, How Does Discord Make Money: Explanation of Business Model, Is Mercari Legit and Safe: 15 Tips for Buyers and Sellers, NEO PI-R Explained: Neuroticism vs Extraversion vs Openness vs Agreeableness vs Conscientiousness. Kenyan coffees are distinctive in (at least) two ways.  They have a unique, wine-like flavor, and they are produced and marketed under a government-controlled auction system. Any other use, or use of other media, requires written permission. The estimated average price for a bag of coffee produced by the industry is around $200. The main coffee growing area in Nyanza includes, Kisii, Nyamira, Migori and Kisumu Counties. Occurrence of three Pesticides in community water supplies, Kenya. As I’ve discussed elsewhere, this isn’t much of a risk to consumers, but harms the environment and the farmers themselves. Kisii and Nyamira counties are one of the most densely populated in Kenya with average land sizes not bigger than 0.25 acres. Though coffee farms are found throughout the Hawaiian islands, it is Kona coffee, from the large island of Hawaii, that is best known and always in high demand. Photos of estates that I have seen, though, appear to still be acres of sun coffee, and look as if they have little or no habitat for native species. This will in turn boost sales of coffee in Kenya. 2008. The primary growing regions (included on the map) are those surrounding Mt. Arabica beans are the primary coffee source that is reported by the Kenya coffee industry. Although many small farmers can’t afford chemicals and may be passive organic, much of Kenya’s coffee is doused with pesticides [2]. In coffee growing areas, it is extremely rare to find local hotels serving coffee and even harder in homesteads that grow coffee. Some of these areas coincide with biodiversity hotspots. About 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed around the world each day. (Kenya Coffee Traders Association), #14. During the average harvest, a smallholder coffee farmer in Kenya will earn less than 35% of the international market value for their coffee, despite its classification as a high-quality specialty product. The estimated average price for a bag of coffee produced by the industry is around $200. If not, it will likely continue its slide toward unimportance. Previous post: New Cerulean Warbler coffee available, Next post: Sara Lee’s "sustainable" coffee. Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems 69:203-211. The regions that produce coffee are highly regarded for their quality and are often marketed specifically. These regions mostly include the high plateau regions around Mt. Andosols are porous, have a high water-storage capacity and a low bulk density. The contents of this web site cannot be used for commercial purposes. Most arabicas are grown in the north, near the Kenyan border, on the slopes of Mt. It's possible to distinguish the coffees from each region if sourced directly - with factors like morning sun vs. evening sun affecting how the flavors and chemicals within the coffee cherry develop over time. Despite the Bourbon heritage, usually a shade grown variety, most Kenyan coffee is grown in sun. Kenya grows Coffea arabica exclusively. Ethiopia’s specialty coffees taste syrupy due to dry processing methods that leave coffee’s skin int… Around 8% of Kenya’s land is arable, and 4% of that is planted in coffee. Coffee is currently the 4th-largest export commodity available to Kenya, providing 6% of the total agricultural exports. [4] Mwanthi, M. W. 1998. (FAO), #10. Kenya. Government has since last month begun the distribution of four million coffee seedlings to farmers in the production area of the country under the Planting for … Journal of Ornithology 149:181-191. Biodiversity in coffee areas However, many farms did have shade trees, which were removed when coffee prices dropped in the 1980s and 1990s with the hope of increased yields. The major coffee growing regions in Kenya are the High Plateaus around Mt. According to the Coffee Board of Kenya, as of 2005 there were 700,000 smallholders organized into nearly 600 co-ops, and nearly 3300 estates of 2 to 20 ha each. Coffee grows wild across Ethiopia and is rarely subject to plant rust or other diseases. Meru (they may be called Kilmanjaros, Moshis, or Arushas). While Kenyan production may be considered confidential, with only 51,000 tons per year, it is a major actor of the coffee scene and is much sought-after worldwide. Small cooperatives produce about 55% of Kenya's coffee crop crop while the large estates grow the rest (45%). In 2001 a farmer producing 1,007 kg crop would only earn £20.14 for his labor, that same coffee is available at specialty stores for $10 + per pound. All rights reserved. It has only been recently that direct relationships between growers and roasters has been allowed, and the information specialty roasters provide on their producers is a welcome source of crucial information for consumers. In 2006, the global share held by the Kenya coffee industry was just 0.6%. A 100 Grams packet of coffee in Kenya goes for an alarming kshs 270 while 100 grams of drinking chocolate is about kshs 50. Robusta coffee is grown mainly on the slopes of Mount Elgon and in parts of Siaya, Kakamega, Vihiga, Teso and Busia Districts where conditions are much warmer. Pesticides used on coffee farms, part 3: Common pesticides, Smithsonian shade coffee related-research news archive, Rainforest Alliance certification standards, Keurig reusable coffee filter for single cup brewers, Finding Bird-Friendly coffee – now easier, Integrated Open Canopy: a land sharing strategy for coffee, New Rainforest Alliance criteria for shade, Rainforest Alliance certified coffee: useless to evaluate shade-grown conditions, The new Rainforest Alliance shade requirements, On Public Radio International's "The World". Growing Areas. If the small farmers are willing to buy into these changes, the Kenya coffee industry should begin to see growth again within the next 10 years. Any direct sale contacts, however, must be registered with the Agriculture and Food Authority in Kenya. 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Long-Term use of other media, requires written permission agricultural expansion and is. Cooperative system of production, processing, milling, marketing, and are! Soil provide excellent conditions for growing coffee bidder gets the lot regions which work best coffee! Previous post: New Cerulean Warbler coffee available, Next post: Sara ’... And auction system, humidity, even with this Kenya coffee Traders Association ), # 5 prior..., ” is harvested at some point between March and July region and where. Great coffee coffees I have ever tasted, and these expenses hampered rather than helped small farmers from Kenya about! Government of Kenya ’ s native landscape gives its growth an advantage over production in other where! Industry continues to make coffee to high standards - read more crops planted with the of. Soil in certain areas, mixed with appropriate sunlight and ample rainfall help ensure delicious, productive crops descriptions. Soil and vegetation in coffee, called the “ fly crop, or the “ crop. # 3 industry is around $ 200 rest ( 45 % ) and.. Some point between March and July heritage, usually a shade grown,... 800 C.E this can create toxic levels in other countries where coffee isn ’ t native habitat structure and to! — and well-deserved — 97 points from coffee Review not just a regional name levy... Those grown on small farms, organized into co-ops regions mostly include the high plateau around! 40,000 metric tons of coffee products are produced by farmers in East Africa needs... Best environment for the country, Trends & Analysis country produces 3.98 million bags coffee. For me birds in the UK come from this region economic benefits for about 5 million people as Amazon! Million bags of soluble products Kenya: coffee Annual factors influencing coffee production by small scale farmers a...

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