A recent farmer training initiative in Kenya’s Uasin Gishu County brought together producers, agricultural officers, and university staff to enhance skills in coffee cultivation and market navigation. The one-day workshop, organized by the county's Department of Agriculture and the University of Eldoret, provided practical education to 61 participants, including accommodations for Deaf farmers through a sign language interpreter.
The program is part of a broader trend in Kenya where government bodies, research institutes, and universities are increasing support for farmer education to strengthen the country's specialty coffee sector. The workshop curriculum covered the full production cycle, from nursery management and seedling health to advanced crop management techniques. Specific topics included canopy trimming for better sunlight exposure, balanced soil nutrition, and fertilizer application strategies designed to improve cherry quality while managing input costs.
Beyond cultivation, the training addressed critical challenges such as integrated pest management to reduce crop loss and prevent defects. A significant component focused on the coffee value chain, helping producers understand quality standards and the market factors that influence pricing. By connecting farm-level practices with market demands, such programs empower farmers to make more informed decisions, ultimately producing the traceable, high-quality lots sought by international specialty coffee buyers.