Kericho launches coffee agroforestry program to boost farmers

Kericho County has launched a transformative coffee agroforestry program in partnership with the Cereal Growers Association (CGA) to promote sustainable agriculture while improving farmers’ incomes.

The coveted agreement, signed on February 10, 2025, at the Governor’s office, allows farmers to integrate coffee trees into their farms, offering economic benefits and contributing to climate change mitigation.

The signing ceremony was led by CGA Chairman Dr. Moses Mwenje and Agriculture County Executive Committee Member CECM) Juliet Chirchir, with Governor Dr. Eric Mutai authorizing the deal on behalf of Kericho County.

The partnership grants CGA official permission to operate in Kericho without restrictions, supporting farmers in sustainable agroforestry practices. CGA has already established operations in three key coffee-growing wards such as Kunyak, Chilchila, and Kamasian where farmers are being encouraged to plant coffee trees alongside other crops.

Governor Mutai expressed optimism about the program’s potential to transform agriculture in the county.

“This program is very beneficial to our farmers here in Kericho, it helps them earn money through coffee planting while also playing a crucial role in forest conservation, soil replenishment, and climate change mitigation. ‘Pesa mfukoni na chakula mezani” Government Mutai explained.

He added that nearly 2,500 farmers in Kipkelion Ward have benefited from CGA’s support and called for expansion to all 15 coffee-growing wards in Kericho.

Beyond coffee production, CGA is introducing farmers to the financial potential of carbon credits. Farmers who integrate trees into their farms can earn income from carbon removal units, a system where carbon stored in trees is measured and sold as carbon credits.

“Using an app, we measure the number of trees on a farmer’s land and calculate their carbon storage over five years, each ton of carbon stored qualifies for carbon credits, which recently traded at 46 euros per unit,” Dr. Mwenje reiterated.

This means farmers can earn passive income simply by maintaining trees on their land, making agroforestry a dual-benefit practice. Trees not only improve soil fertility and provide shade for coffee crops but also help offset carbon emissions, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.

“We want to incorporate trees into tea and coffee farming, not only for fuel and firewood but also for their ability to store carbon,” Dr. Mwenje added.

Kericho farmers have welcomed the initiative, viewing it as a game-changer for their livelihoods.

“We are very pleased with our governor for bringing this program to us, it is beneficial to farmers, and we know it will be effective. Thank you to CGA for this thoughtful initiative. We are happy that Kericho is contributing to climate change mitigation.” Thomas Martin, a local resident said.

With plans to expand the program across all 15 coffee-growing wards, Kericho is setting an example for other agricultural counties in Kenya. By blending coffee production with tree planting, the initiative not only boosts farmers’ earnings but also improves soil health, conserves biodiversity, and strengthens resilience against climate change.

The Kericho County government and CGA remain committed to supporting farmers through training and resources, ensuring the long-term sustainability of coffee agroforestry. If successful, this program could serve as a model for other regions looking to balance agricultural productivity with environmental conservation.

By Kipyegon Mutai and Happiness Tanui