Coffee lovers around the world may soon savour a cup that not only delights the palate but also nurtures the planet. German-based coffee buyer Tchibo has joined forces with the Rainforest Alliance and the Mount Kenya Sustainable Landscape and Livelihoods programme (MSuLLi) to launch “Brewing the Future Coffee to Stay,” a transformative three‑year initiative in Kenya’s Kirinyaga County. Designed to benefit 5,000 smallholder farmers in the Inoi Coffee Cooperative Society, this project promises to reshape the coffee sector through regenerative practices, economic empowerment and community resilience.
Cultivating Resilience in Mount Kenya’s Coffee Belt
The fertile slopes of Mount Kenya are legendary among coffee growers, yet climate change, soil erosion and socio‑economic pressures have eroded yields and incomes. Smallholder farmers—who supply the bulk of Kenya’s premium coffee face unpredictable rainfall, degraded land and rising costs. By adopting regenerative agriculture and climate‑smart techniques, “Brewing the Future Coffee to Stay” aims to reverse those trends while preserving the region’s biodiversity.
Three Pathways to a Stronger Coffee Economy
Marion Ng’ang’a, Rainforest Alliance Country Director, outlines the initiative’s three strategic pathways:
- Regenerative and Climate‑Smart Farming
Farmers will plant high‑value companion tree species recommended by the Coffee Research Institute. These trees provide shade, restore soil organic matter and promote water retention—key factors for healthier coffee plants and more stable yields. - Optimized Coffee Business Operations
Through practical training in post‑harvest processing and quality control, producers will learn to improve cup profiles and command higher prices. Precision soil analysis will guide targeted fertiliser and organic manure use, cutting waste and boosting efficiency. - Inclusive Value Chain Integration
Special emphasis on women and youth will drive agricultural diversification. By growing additional crops like fruits or legumes between coffee rows, families can unlock alternative incomes and enhance nutrition while safeguarding their coffee investments.
Farmer Voices Fueling Change
Felix Mwai, Chairperson of the Inoi Farmers’ Cooperative Society, shares the community’s excitement: “With this support we aim to raise our annual coffee output from 630,000 kilograms to 2.2 million kilograms. That growth will transform lives across Kirinyaga.” Farmers will gain access to modern seed varieties, agroforestry guidance and collective marketing channels—tools that turn small plots into engines of prosperity.
Navigating Payment Reforms and Cooperative Strength
While optimism runs high, local tensions over recent payment reforms underscore the need for a balanced approach. The Ministry of Cooperatives’ Direct Settlement System (DSS) mandates that 80 percent of coffee sale proceeds go directly to farmers within five days, with cooperatives retaining 20 percent. Many producers worry this shift could weaken their cooperatives vital hubs for bulk purchasing, equipment sharing and market negotiation. By reinforcing cooperative governance and ensuring transparent DSS implementation, the project will help safeguard these essential support structures.
Brewing a Sustainable Future for Kenyan Coffee
“Tchibo and Rainforest Alliance stand alongside Kenyan farmers in crafting a coffee sector that works for people and planet,” says Marion Ng’ang’a. Over three years, “Brewing the Future Coffee to Stay” will plant thousands of trees, upgrade processing facilities and train farmers in sustainable methods. The result is a more resilient landscape, higher incomes and a cup of coffee imbued with purpose.
For consumers, this means every sip carries a story of regeneration from the shaded slopes of Mount Kenya to your morning ritual. By choosing coffee certified under this initiative, you invest in durable livelihoods, restored ecosystems and a brighter future for Kenyan farming communities. Let us raise our mugs to a world where coffee not only energizes us but also heals the land and uplifts those who cultivate it.
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