Coffee Revival Efforts Begin in Uasin Gishu as Farmers Receive Seedlings
The distribution marks an important step toward restoring coffee farming in the region.
Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Dr Edison Nyale. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
The distribution of 16,500 coffee seedlings has helped at least 150 farmers in the Soy area of Uasin Gishu County to support coffee farming recovery efforts in their region. The initiative is part of a broader program aimed at restoring the crop’s former significance, as coffee was once among the most profitable agricultural ventures for farmers in the area.
The New Kenya Planters Cooperative Union issued the seedlings through its coffee revitalization program. The program provides farmers with essential materials and support to encourage them to reengage in coffee cultivation. The program aims to help the coffee sector regain its former trust which has been lost through various difficulties that included low profits and changing preferences among farmers.
During the distribution exercise the cooperative union chairman Daniel Chemno explained that the initiative supports government efforts to make Kenya a leading coffee exporter internationally. He emphasized that restoring coffee production is key to strengthening the country’s agricultural sector and improving farmers’ livelihoods.
Chemno mentioned that ongoing international geopolitical conflicts which involve countries such as Iran the United States and Israel might create market disruptions for international trade. However, he assured farmers that European nations continue to be Kenya’s primary coffee export market because they maintain consistent demand for coffee products from the country.
Farmers who received the seedlings expressed doubts about the total number of seedlings which they believe should be distributed because they think it falls short of their actual requirements. The farmers appreciated the support, but they believed it would not lead to substantial production increases throughout the county.
According to the farmers Uasin Gishu County requires over 100000 coffee seedlings which are necessary for restoring coffee farming to its operational status and achieving significant production results. The stakeholders were requested by them to expand the program so that it can help more farmers and create the desired results for coffee farming restoration efforts.
The distribution marks an important step toward restoring coffee farming in the region, although stakeholders agree that more resources and sustained efforts will be necessary to fully realize the sector’s potential.
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