The Kenyan government plans to triple coffee production by 2028, with a budget of Sh500 million allocated to support the coffee and dairy sectors. Cooperative Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya emphasized the program’s dedication to training thousands of farmers and supporting sustainable practices. The initiative emphasizes diversification in agriculture to enhance economic resilience and addresses funding disparities for coffee farmers across regions.
The Kenyan government is initiating a plan to increase national coffee production from 50,000 metric tonnes to 150,000 metric tonnes by 2028. During a forum in Kakamega County, Cooperatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya emphasized coffee’s potential as a transformative crop in agriculture, highlighting the government’s reforms that are beginning to yield positive results.
As part of this initiative, the government has allocated Sh500 million in this year’s budget to bolster the coffee and dairy sectors. The program includes free training for approximately 5,000 aspiring coffee farmers and distribution of certified coffee seedlings, with Kakamega County serving as a pilot project for the initiative.
Oparanya announced that the government aims to train around 1,200 youths and women in Kakamega County on effective coffee farming and management practices. So far, 1,700 farmers have prepared 1,400 acres of land in the region for coffee planting, urging more participation in cooperatives to access governmental support.
To ensure farmers have adequate resources, the government established a Coffee Cherry Advance Revolving Fund, which provides affordable advances to smallholder coffee growers. However, Oparanya pointed out the need for improved funding, as Kakamega received only Sh1.7 million from the Cherry Fund, compared to Bungoma’s Sh368 million.
Further advocating for agricultural diversification, Oparanya stated, “We are not forcing anybody to plant coffee, but I can assure you that coffee is a game changer that can help tackle high poverty levels in this region.” He highlighted coffee’s economic value by stating that transporting a truck of coffee requires police escort, unlike maize.
The New Kenya Planters Cooperative Union is leading efforts to revitalize coffee farming and enhance marketing of Kenyan coffee globally, alongside providing necessary warehousing and milling services within the country. This structured approach aims to elevate the coffee industry in Kenya significantly, positioning it as a vital component of the agricultural economy.
The Kenyan government’s plan to triple coffee production aims to rejuvenate the agricultural sector, with significant implications for local economies. By investing in farmer training and extending support services through the Coffee Cherry Advance Revolving Fund, the initiative seeks to create a sustainable coffee farming landscape. The engagement of young people and women in coffee cultivation is critical, as is the broader call for farmers to diversify their cash crops to mitigate risks and enhance income. This initiative marks a significant step towards addressing poverty levels and boosting agricultural output in the region.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
