1.Kenya National Coffee Reference Point

Kenya Coffee Producers Association with financial and technical support from HIVOS, (a development agency in the Netherlands) has set up a National Coffee Reference Point Project.

The project seeks to establish reference groups on all technical and socio-economic aspects of coffee production and all stages in the coffee value chain. The reference groups brings together the stakeholders and experts in the coffee sector namely the producers, government ministries, research organizations, private sector (millers, marketing agents, extension agents) to work together in identifying the challenges facing the coffee sector, discussing and documenting sustainable solutions to the identified challenges.

Objective of the Project:

The main objective of the National Coffee Reference Point is to identify the challenges/problems faced by coffee producers along the entire value chain from the producers’ perspective and proposing solutions to the challenges identified with a view to promoting sustainable coffee production in Kenya.

Specific Objectives & Expected Outputs of the Project

  • To set up an electronic database of experts and service providers with experience and knowledge in the various aspects of coffee value chain who can be called upon to address any challenges/issues that arises in the coffee value chain.
  • To Assess and Build the Capacity of  service providers in the coffee value chain as need may be so as to meet international standards, hence enhance local standards.
  • To assist the local producers by ensuring that they access services from the different experts and support organizations in specific areas of coffee production, hence improve coffee productivity and the general welfare of the coffee producers.
  • To map out and document the challenges faced by coffee producers in Kenya with an effort at giving priority to the five most important challenge areas. The challenges would be generated from the perspective of the producers.
  • To come up with sustainable solutions to the problems enlisted in order of priority and based on the ability for implementation in the mid to long term.
  • To, on an Annual Basis, identify and link 10 Cooperative Societies that are clear on in terms of priority settings to service providers who will assist in addressing the issues and challenges prioritized in the coffee value chain.
  • To undertake a study to bring out a clear understanding on the level of gender mainstreaming in the entire coffee value chain and the policy measures in place aimed at mainstreaming gender in the entire value chain.
  • To undertake a study aimed at developing a concrete report on the socio-economic impacts of climate change on coffee production and coffee producers and possible interventions to mitigate the impacts of climate change on coffee value chain.
  • To develop a standardized training and extension materials/messages by incorporating views and ideas contained in training and extension materials from various stakeholders

Project design

The National Coffee Reference Point project will involve baseline surveys/analysis to map out the challenges facing coffee producers; stakeholder meetings through round table discussions, workshops, seminars and conferences to prioritize the challenges facing coffee producers and to come up with response strategies to address the challenges identified; capacity building of support providers to enable them effectively serve the coffee farmers and direct linking of cooperatives to support providers.

2. Coffee Shade Tree Planting and Biogas Production Projects

Kenya Coffee Producers Association with technical and financial support from AgriCord through the Swedish Cooperative Centre implements the two projects among KCPA members. The projects involve coffee shed tree planting and production of biogas using coffee pulp and other bio-waste from the coffee farms.

Objective of the Projects

The main objective of these projects is to contribute to the management and mitigation of the impacts of climate change and hence help to improve the quantity and quality of coffee production in Kenya.

Specific Objectives

  • To facilitate the members of KCPA participating in the projects to grow and nurture to maturity 0.5 million coffee shed tree seedlings within 12 months.
  • To set up 15 demonstration biogas plants in selected member sites

Beneficiaries

The projects target KCPA members, from both the coffee cooperative societies and coffee estates.

Project Design

Coffee Shed Tree Planting: The tree planting project involves supporting about 15 existing tree nurseries through training, provision of appropriate seeds and basic equipment to grow and sell tree seedlings to coffee producers in their local areas. Training sessions are also organized where coffee farmers get knowledge on the role and benefit of shed trees on coffee production.

Coffee Biogas Production: The biogas project involves construction of 15 demonstration biogas plants at selected sites. Coffee pulp is used to generate the gas, hence the project demonstrates how wastes from coffee plantations could be used as a supplement to cow dung in energy production and in improving soil fertility. Coffee producers living close to the demonstration sites are then invited to see and understand how the biogas plants work and can then replicate them in their homes or pulping stations.

3. COOPWORKS Project

The CoopWorks project is funded by Agriterra to pilot the development of a computer system for recording all the activities that are performed in the office. This makes it easier to keep records and production of reports will be done instantly. The selected cooperative societies to pilot the work are Kikima Farmers Cooperative Society in Mbooni where there is an early crop and Kamacharia Farmers Cooperative Society in Muranga (Mugama Union) where there is a late crop. This project is implemented with partners such as the Ministry of Agriculture (Coffee Desk), Ministry of Cooperative Development and Marketing, the Coffee Board, KENFAP, FAO, representatives from the cooperative societies, etc.