Look for Kenyan coffee labeled with the name of a cooperative, not just a regional name. We have direct relations with coffee growers in Ethiopia and Kenya, Rwanda and Burundi, and source from Tanzania, Congo, Zimbabwe and Zambia seasonally. About 70% of Kenyan coffee is produced by small- scale holders. (Kenya Coffee Traders Association). Our green coffee beans are sourced direct from farmers and cooperatives in East Africa via Sweet Maria's extensive travels to coffee-growing areas. The main coffee growing areas in Kenya stretch south from the slopes of the 17,000 foot Mt Kenya across to the capital Nairobi. (Xinhua), #6. Avian diversity in a Kenyan agroecosystem: effects of habitat structure and proximity to forest. The high plateaus of Mount Kenya, plus the acidic soil provide excellent conditions for growing coffee. (Kenya Coffee Traders Association), #15. Andosols are porous, have a high water-storage capacity and a low bulk density. (Kenya Coffee Traders Association) #15. Arabica beans are the primary coffee source that is reported by the Kenya coffee industry. Both the national and county governments in Kenya are promoting coffee planting in non-traditional coffee growing areas to ensure Kenya’s production is sustained. 50% of the levy goes to the Coffee Research Foundation, with the remainder split between the local coffee board and community governments. Measures are in place to increase production levels up to 48,000 metric tons. Kenya highlands, to the chocolaty, full-bodied coffees of the estate sector. Coffee from Ethiopia is famous for the complex, bright, and fruity flavors it embodies. Kenya (Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Embu and Meru), Nakuru, Machakos, and Kiambu (mostly estates, includes towns and coffees labeled Ruiru, Thika, Juja and Makuyu). [1] Laube, I., N. Breitbach, and K. Bohning-Gaese. You're paying WHAT for single-serve coffee? This will in turn boost sales of coffee in Kenya. 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". In terms of yield, cooperatives have a 28% share of the industry. (FAO), #10. Integrated Pest Management Reviews 1(3):125-132. The Kenya Mountains are also classified as an important Endemic Bird Area, with seven of the nine restricted range species being found on Mt. 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. 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. Kenya feed rivers that supply 40 to 50% of the country’s fresh water, which also produce 70% of its hydroelectric power. Despite the Bourbon heritage, usually a shade grown variety, most Kenyan coffee is grown in sun. 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. When coffee is grown in shade, it is under banana trees. The climate in the Kenyan highlands (cooler temperatures, humidity, even rainfall) often makes shade unnecessary. Ethiopia’s specialty coffees taste syrupy due to dry processing methods that leave coffee’s skin int… This can create toxic levels in other food crops planted with the coffee [3]. Counter Culture Coffee has offerings such as this, and product descriptions include a link to a Google Map of the source. About 750,000 60kg bags of coffee are produced by farmers in the country each year. Pesticides have also been found in water supplies in coffee-growing communities [4]. This is a terrific best option. Elgon, Murang’a, Nakuru, Taita Taveta and Tran-Nzoia. 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 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. From Disabled and $500k in Debt to a Pro Blogger with 5 Million Monthly Visitors, 16 Kenya Coffee Industry Statistics, Trends & Analysis, 19 Kenya Tea Industry Statistics and Trends, 27 Costa Rica Coffee Industry Statistics, Trends & Analysis, 21 Kenya Cement Industry Statistics and Trends, "From Disabled and $500k in Debt to a Pro Blogger with 5 Million Monthly Visitors. Integrated pest management of coffee for small-scale farmers in East Africa: needs and limitations. Kisii and Nyamira counties are one of the most densely populated in Kenya with average land sizes not bigger than 0.25 acres. Kenya coffee growing regions include Ruiri, Thika, Kirinyaga, Mt. Most coffee beans that you see on sale in the UK come from this region. You may also see it referred to as ‘Nairobi’. The country produces 3.98 million bags of coffee annually. Meru (they may be called Kilmanjaros, Moshis, or Arushas). As we know, sun coffee requires more chemical inputs, and these expenses hampered rather than helped small farmers. In 1987, the industry produced 129,000 metric tons of coffee. This stands for Scott Laboratories, the developer of the strains (SL28 and SL34 are high-quality names you may have heard). 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. Any other use, or use of other media, requires written permission. Coffee is a major cash crop for the country. Occurrence of three Pesticides in community water supplies, Kenya. The first crop, called the “fly crop,” is harvested between September and December each year. Share. Until there is an improvement in coffee facilities and stability brought into the market, low returns are the most likely outcome for this industry. Biodiversity in coffee areas In 2016, 17% of the industry’s total crop went to the country, or about 7,500 tons. By rainfall over 1000 mm per year, andosols are exposed to excessive leaching. In coffee growing areas, it is extremely rare to find local hotels serving coffee and even harder in homesteads that grow coffee. German exports have gone from 22% of the market revenues generated to just 17% over the past 5 years. These regions mostly include the high plateau regions around Mt. If not, it will likely continue its slide toward unimportance. 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