The price of Kenyan coffee has dropped again, hitting an all-time low for 2019 after shedding off 15 percent further raising fears among crop farmers.
The unsung heroes : small scale farmers contribute to about 70% of the net coffee production in Kenya. However, the dilemma of how much profits trickle down remains unaddressed.
As a coffee consumer, little efforts can help to reshape farmers welfare in terms of better income generation.
1) Petition: Lobby to the government to lower the cost of production. Availing affordable farm inputs, zero rating extension services and guaranteeing better future market prices. Sign the petition here
2) Switch to sustainable produced coffee: Private sustainability standards such as seed to cup model have been on the forefront to work and support coffee communities that supply coffee. Sensitization to consumers is critical for consumers to make informed purchase decisions directed towards sustainability.
3) Participate in Coffee Safari: Coffee farms present a getaway to enjoy and appreciate nature through eco-tourism. Revenue generated during the trips will offer indirect revenues complementing farmers income from coffee harvest. This model will encourage farmers to maintain the coffee crop better to sustain more coffee tours.
4) Consume more specialty coffee : An increase in coffee consumption by 2% ( average 4 cups of coffee in a week ) will translate to increase of Ksh 20 per cup in the farmers pockets. This cushions the farmer against price fluctuation dependent on international coffee trading market. Willingness to pay premium prices for specialty coffee in indicative of changing consumer attitude towards supporting the work of smallholder farmers.
“In countries like republic of South Korea, you’ll find that a consumer is willing to pay up to 7 dollars for a cup of coffee against 4 dollars for his / her lunch…….” – Duncan Busuru Connect Coffee Marketing & sustainable services manager.
Fate of Kenya coffee farmers lies within coffee drinking consumers.
Support the specialty coffee drinking culture.
Swing by any Connect Coffee outlet and grab a cup.
Leave a Comment