One of the most consumed and well-known drinks in the world is coffee. It was brought to Kenya in the late 19th century and is thought to have come from Ethiopia. The French Holy Ghost Fathers planted the first coffee tree in Kenya in 1893 in the Taita Hills, according to historical sources. Since that time, Kenya’s economy has benefited greatly from the cultivation of coffee as a major cash crop.
2 to 4 kg of coffee cherries can be produced annually by a single coffee tree. The yield is influenced by a number of variables, including height, rainfall, and soil fertility. Small-scale farmers in Kenya who possess a few acres of land produce the majority of the country’s coffee. The Coffee Directorate states that Kenya’s average yield per acre is roughly 400 kg. Accordingly, a farmer who has 1000 coffee trees can produce roughly 4,000 kg of coffee each year.
Kenyan coffee prices vary according on market demand and product quality. Due to an overstock in the market, coffee prices have been falling in recent years. At the farm gate level, a kilo of coffee in Kenya costs between Kshs 300 and Kshs 500 ($3-$5) as of 2021. High-quality coffee beans that match international standards, however, might cost significantly more.
Per acre of land, approximately 4500 trees can be planted. However, this is dependent on a number of variables, including height, climate, and soil type. The number of trees that can be planted per acre is also influenced by the distance between the trees. In Kenya, a 2.5 m by 2.5 m spacing is advised between coffee trees.
While coffee is a significant economic crop in Kenya, the majority of growers are underprivileged. This is primarily a result of intermediaries taking advantage of farmers by offering poor pricing. In Kenya, there are numerous participants in a lengthy and intricate value chain for coffee. Farmers find it challenging to obtain reasonable pricing for their goods as a result. In order to solve this, the government and a number of NGOs have created programs to strengthen farmer autonomy and enhance their standard of living. For instance, some groups offer training to farmers on sound agricultural methods, finance availability, and direct market connections.
In conclusion, in the late 19th century, the French Holy Ghost Fathers brought coffee to Kenya. Since then, it has developed into a large cash crop, making a significant contribution to the national economy. Between 2 and 4 kg of coffee cherries can be produced annually by one coffee tree, and 4,000 kg of coffee can be produced annually by a farmer with 1000 trees. In Kenya, the cost of coffee fluctuates according on market demand and quality, and an acre of land can support on average 4500 trees. Despite the significance of coffee in Kenya, the majority of coffee farmers are underpaid because intermediaries take advantage of them. However, programs have been launched to enhance farmers’ livelihoods and give them more control.
Despite the positive economic effects of coffee, there are a number of reasons why coffee producers in Kenya and other nations may still be in poverty. The unstable nature of the coffee market, which can result in shifting prices and erratic revenue for farmers, is one important cause. Furthermore, a lot of coffee growers do not have access to resources like funding, technology, or education, which could restrict their capacity to increase yields and earnings. Climate change, illness, and political unrest are additional difficulties that could have a detrimental effect on coffee exports and production.