Kenya's celebrated coffee, known for its unique flavors and high quality, is currently under pressure due to climate change, with farmers struggling to adapt and survive economically.
Threats to Kenya's Iconic Coffee Industry from Climate Change
Threats to Kenya's Iconic Coffee Industry from Climate Change
Kenyan farmers face mounting challenges as climate change jeopardizes their coffee production.
In the verdant highlands of Komothai, Kenya, farmers like Simon Macharia cultivate coffee on their small plantations nestled amidst the volcanic hills. These farmers bring their bright red coffee cherries to local processing plants, where they undergo meticulous treatment — the red husks are removed, and the beans are washed before being dried on lines that extend across the valleys, with workers sorting them into various grades for global distribution.
“Coffee is our black gold,” shares Macharia, who tends to 2.5 hectares of land and specializes in Kenya AA coffee, valued worldwide for its rich aroma and flavor. Coffee cultivation has a long-standing history in these highlands, dating back to British colonial times in the late 1890s.
But the journey from berry to bean involves grueling labor; tasks include picking, pruning, and transporting the delicate fruits. “Your full-time job is on the farm,” Macharia explains, as the process demands undivided attention, especially during blooming season.
As coffee prices in European cafes may reach $4, the stark contrast becomes evident, particularly for laborers like Edita Mwangi, who earn just $1.40 a day after working six days a week and trekking long distances to their workplaces. The disparity reflects a deeply rooted economic challenge plaguing the farming community.
Years of unfavorable trading systems with Europe have left many farmers feeling underserved, but the looming threat of climate change has escalated their plight. Coffee trees are particularly vulnerable to climatic shifts, demanding stable humid conditions and rainfall.
“Climate change represents a dire challenge for our farmers,” states John Murigi, chairman of the Komothai Coffee Society, which supports around 8,000 coffee growers. Unpredictable rainfall patterns have led to diminishing coffee production and increased disease prevalence, with pests and fungal infections posing severe risks to crops.
Facing these challenges, farmers find themselves relying on herbicides and pesticides that not only jeopardize soil health but also present serious health risks. Some farmers resort to using banned chemicals in Europe, hoping to secure better yields amid deteriorating conditions.
Further complicating the situation is water scarcity, as the coffee cultivation process can demand up to 140 liters per cup. Increased temperatures and variable weather have resulted in reduced river levels essential for irrigation, forcing farmers like Joseph Kimani to overextend their water usage.
Despite the on-going struggles, coffee societies in the region are proactively experimenting with sustainable farming techniques, including shade tree planting, to counteract climate impacts. Nevertheless, the sense of uncertainty is palpable among farmers.
“Honestly, I don’t believe any parent would aspire for their children to continue this coffee farming legacy under the current circumstances,” expresses Macharia, as hope dwindles for a sustainable future amid rising climate concerns.
As climate change continues threatening coffee production globally, the livelihood of many reliant on this crop hangs in the balance.
“Coffee is our black gold,” shares Macharia, who tends to 2.5 hectares of land and specializes in Kenya AA coffee, valued worldwide for its rich aroma and flavor. Coffee cultivation has a long-standing history in these highlands, dating back to British colonial times in the late 1890s.
But the journey from berry to bean involves grueling labor; tasks include picking, pruning, and transporting the delicate fruits. “Your full-time job is on the farm,” Macharia explains, as the process demands undivided attention, especially during blooming season.
As coffee prices in European cafes may reach $4, the stark contrast becomes evident, particularly for laborers like Edita Mwangi, who earn just $1.40 a day after working six days a week and trekking long distances to their workplaces. The disparity reflects a deeply rooted economic challenge plaguing the farming community.
Years of unfavorable trading systems with Europe have left many farmers feeling underserved, but the looming threat of climate change has escalated their plight. Coffee trees are particularly vulnerable to climatic shifts, demanding stable humid conditions and rainfall.
“Climate change represents a dire challenge for our farmers,” states John Murigi, chairman of the Komothai Coffee Society, which supports around 8,000 coffee growers. Unpredictable rainfall patterns have led to diminishing coffee production and increased disease prevalence, with pests and fungal infections posing severe risks to crops.
Facing these challenges, farmers find themselves relying on herbicides and pesticides that not only jeopardize soil health but also present serious health risks. Some farmers resort to using banned chemicals in Europe, hoping to secure better yields amid deteriorating conditions.
Further complicating the situation is water scarcity, as the coffee cultivation process can demand up to 140 liters per cup. Increased temperatures and variable weather have resulted in reduced river levels essential for irrigation, forcing farmers like Joseph Kimani to overextend their water usage.
Despite the on-going struggles, coffee societies in the region are proactively experimenting with sustainable farming techniques, including shade tree planting, to counteract climate impacts. Nevertheless, the sense of uncertainty is palpable among farmers.
“Honestly, I don’t believe any parent would aspire for their children to continue this coffee farming legacy under the current circumstances,” expresses Macharia, as hope dwindles for a sustainable future amid rising climate concerns.
As climate change continues threatening coffee production globally, the livelihood of many reliant on this crop hangs in the balance.
