Reawakening Coffee Production in Siaya: A Vision for Sustainable Agriculture

The County Government of Siaya has set its sights on revitalizing coffee farming in the region, driven by the potential to cultivate up to 3,000 acres of land under coffee production. This initiative seeks to revive a once-thriving sector and tap into the economic opportunities offered by coffee farming. The efforts of the county government are primarily aimed at empowering local farmers, especially through organized cooperatives, to create a sustainable and profitable coffee farming industry.

In a focused effort to realize this potential, the county government has taken steps to support around 250 farmers in Ndenga, West Ugenya Ward. These farmers have formed the Ugenya Coffee Growers Cooperative Society, an initiative that aims to facilitate the mobilization of more members and streamline access to necessary agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and chemicals. By aggregating their produce, these farmers hope to achieve economies of scale that will benefit them in the long run.

The chairperson of the Ugenya Coffee Growers Cooperative Society, Francis Onyango, emphasized the crucial role the County Government of Siaya has played in supporting the farmers. Recently, through the Department of Agriculture, the government distributed 3,000 coffee seedlings to the cooperative, aiming to rekindle interest in growing coffee. According to Onyango, most members of the cooperative now have at least 20 coffee trees planted on their farms, with plans to increase that number in the near future.

The potential returns from coffee farming are promising. With proper adherence to recommended agricultural practices, one coffee bush is expected to yield between 50 to 100 kilograms of coffee berries by the third year of growth. At a market price of KES 40 per kilogram, farmers could earn about KES 2,000 per bush. Given that one acre of land can accommodate at least 500 coffee trees, a farmer could generate a substantial income of KES 1 million per harvest from a single acre.

Hon. K’Okoth Sylvestre, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Food Security, Livestock, and Blue Economy, highlighted these opportunities during a recent consultative meeting with the management team of the Ugenya Cooperative. He reiterated the county government’s commitment to promoting coffee farming and promised to collaborate with the National Government, specifically through the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) and the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO). This collaboration aims to ensure that more farmers receive additional coffee seedlings, further expanding the potential for coffee cultivation across the county.

In addition to providing seedlings, the County Government of Siaya, through its Department of Agriculture, is committed to enhancing extension service delivery. This will involve training farmers on best practices in coffee farming, mobilizing more farmers to embrace coffee production, and ensuring the timely availability of key inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides. By reducing production costs and improving access to essential resources, the county government aims to make coffee farming more attractive and economically viable for local farmers.

Siaya County’s administration, under Governor James Orengo, has made agriculture a cornerstone of its economic and industrial revolution agenda. The government views agriculture as a critical driver of economic growth and is encouraging farmers to explore new opportunities in high-value crops such as coffee. According to the county leadership, Siaya has the necessary climate and soil conditions to grow coffee successfully. Therefore, the county is urging farmers to consider coffee farming as a means to transform their livelihoods and contribute to the broader economic development of the region.

The history of coffee farming in Siaya has been marked by periods of decline, with many farmers abandoning the crop over two decades ago. This was largely due to the mismanagement of cooperatives responsible for marketing the farmers’ produce, leading to losses and frustrations among growers. However, with the renewed focus on transparency, efficiency, and farmer empowerment, the county government hopes to restore confidence in coffee farming.

By reviving coffee farming, Siaya County is also seeking to position itself within the larger national coffee production framework. Kenya is known for producing some of the world’s finest coffee, and regions like Siaya have the potential to contribute to this reputation. The global demand for coffee continues to rise, driven by increasing consumption in both developed and emerging markets. By tapping into this demand, Siaya farmers stand to benefit from both domestic and international markets.

The formation of cooperatives such as the Ugenya Coffee Growers Cooperative Society is a crucial step in realizing this potential. Cooperatives allow smallholder farmers to pool their resources, negotiate better prices for inputs, and access markets more efficiently. They also provide a platform for sharing knowledge and best practices, which is essential for improving productivity and ensuring the long-term sustainability of coffee farming.

Moreover, the county government’s support for extension services and training is expected to play a pivotal role in improving the quality of coffee produced in the region. By adopting modern farming techniques and adhering to best practices in coffee cultivation, farmers can increase their yields and produce high-quality coffee beans that meet the standards of international markets.

The focus on timely input delivery is another critical aspect of the county’s strategy. In the past, delays in accessing fertilizers and other inputs have hampered agricultural productivity. By ensuring that farmers receive these inputs on time, the county government hopes to minimize disruptions and ensure that coffee farmers can maximize their output.

Governor Orengo’s administration recognizes that for Siaya’s agricultural sector to thrive, it must embrace modern farming practices and invest in value chains that have the potential to bring significant returns. Coffee, as a high-value cash crop, presents an ideal opportunity for farmers to diversify their income streams and achieve economic independence. By encouraging farmers to adopt coffee farming, the county government is also promoting a shift towards more commercialized agriculture, which is critical for rural development.

Furthermore, the county’s strategy to involve national bodies such as AFA and KALRO reflects a commitment to aligning local initiatives with national agricultural policies. This collaboration is essential for ensuring that farmers in Siaya receive the technical support, research insights, and market linkages they need to succeed in coffee farming.

As coffee farming begins to gain traction in Siaya once again, it is expected that more farmers will join the movement. The county government’s efforts to mobilize farmers, provide inputs, and support cooperatives are laying the groundwork for a coffee farming renaissance in the region. With continued support from both local and national governments, as well as buy-in from the farmers themselves, Siaya could soon emerge as a significant player in Kenya’s coffee industry.

In conclusion, the County Government of Siaya’s efforts to revive coffee farming represent a bold step towards economic transformation. By focusing on empowering farmers, promoting modern farming practices, and enhancing access to markets, the county is positioning itself for long-term success in the coffee sector. While challenges remain, particularly in addressing the historical issues that led to the decline of coffee farming, there is a renewed sense of optimism among farmers and stakeholders. The future of coffee farming in Siaya looks promising, and with continued investment and support, it has the potential to become a key driver of economic growth and prosperity in the county.