Gender partnership behind production of coffee quality grades

Concerted efforts by partners in coffee growing in Kandara, Murang’a has transformed farming leading to increased production in the past two years.

In the partnership between Coffee Management Services (CMS), Nestle Kenya, and the factory is celebrated over the positive the transformation that has impacted to high production.

Chairman of the society Mr Peter Njoroge said in the past, the society had been struggling to increase the production but failed due to lack of effective coordination by the players.

Gakui factory with 588 active members, Njoroge said three years ago rose from production 45,000 kilogrammes to last year 283,000 kilogrammes, out of which 85 percent were quality grades.

“In the partnership both CMS and Nestle have attached an agronomist in the society office who moves around the farms checking on the status of farming,” said Njoroge.

Gakui factory, he observed was the first in Murang’a to have a resident agronomist after Murang’a County Government failed to post agriculture extension officers.

Last year (2020/2012), the farmers were paid at the rate of Sh68.50 up from the previous of Sh40.20.

In the year 2018/2019, the society released payment to growers at the rate of Sh62.25

Boniface Murichu a farmer said he used to harvest 350 kilogrammes and last year managed 1,400 kilogrammes.

“I used to get fewer kilogrammes but with an introduction to best farming practices am eying to get above 1,800 kilogrammes,” said Murichu.

More importantly, Murichu said the farmers are encouraged to involve women and youth in the coffee value chain.

A farmer Ms Milka Nyambura said with best farming practice the society members’ projects to produce 500,000 kilogrammes of cherry.

Nyambura a leading farmer said in 2018 produced 1,200 kilogrammes, and last year 2,080 kilogrammes.

“This year I target to deliver not less than 3,000 kilogrammes although there has been a lot of rain,” said Nyambura.  

A manager with CMS Ms Phylis Warui said this year they target to get 9.4 million kilogrammes of coffee, from 17,000 contracted farmers.

She explained last year they received 8.4 million kilogrammes from the growers.

“In the partnership growers are assisted with farm inputs, health education and include nutrition among others” said Warui. 

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