Developing a low-carbon coffee value-chain in Kenya

Moyee Coffee, The Fairchain Foundation, Agriterra, Kipkelion District Cooperative Union and Kenya Agriculture Livestock and Research Organization (KALRO) have formed a consortium to develop a low-carbon coffee value-chain in Kericho, Kenya.

This project consists of three four main elements to support 7,200 smallholder farmers to transition from a traditional coffee farming model, consisting of mainly mono-culture coffee and the application of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, to a low-carbon farm model.

1. Developing a bio-solutions production facility at KDCU, producing bio-compost, bio-fertilisers and bio-pesticides produced from local waste materials, to be sold as an affordable alternative to synthetic fertilisers and pesticides.
2. Implementing a Model Farm for a Regenerative Low-Carbon Coffee growing Strategy, developed by Renature.
3. Establishing a blockchain platform on which all coffee-related transactions (such as quantities of coffee bought, prices but also results from soil testing) are made transparent and available, proving low-carbon practices and higher incomes, and giving farmers access to financial services.
4. Developing a coffee roasting facility at origin in Nairobi.

This should lead to: Improving farmer income, improved food security and improved resilience against climate-change related shocks for 7,200 smallholder farmers in Kericho, Kenya.

How will this consortium improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the Kericho region?

• Ban the use of fertilisers, limit the use of pesticides, farmers will get a premium based on soil samples.
• Support the cooperatives by improving their governance and financial management structures.
• Set up local bio-solutions production facility to increase the use of affordable bio-compost, bio-fertiliser and bio-pesticides to improve the soil-health and increase productivity.
• Support the implementation and roll-out of a comprehensive intercropping strategy for farmers.
• Support the hiring of Youth Extension Officers dedicated to sustainable agriculture and low-carbon farming.
• Buy Coffee at a premium and decrease delivery-payment term from 6 months to 4 weeks.
• Roasting at Origin: Set up a local roasting facility in Kenya to create local job-opportunities and support structural transformation of Kenya.
• Create a transparent value-chain through Fairchain’s blockchain application.
• Actively involve women and youth in the development of this low-carbon coffee value chain.