Kenyan Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Advises Coffee Farmers To Not Subdivide Plantations – CoffeeTalk

Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has advised Kenyan coffee farmers not to subdivide their plantations into smaller units during succession. He urged them to hand down their plantations as a single family entity to maximize returns from coffee farming. The older generation of farmers tend to fragment their plantations into smaller units, which has resulted in reduced yields and lower returns for the farmers. Kagwe appealed to farmers, especially those with smaller coffee plantations, to consider these farms as family businesses so that when leaving an inheritance, the plantation is handed over to the offspring as a unit, and they can subdivide the returns from the sale of cherry amongst themselves.

The CS also urged the older generation of farmers to groom the youth to join the agriculture sector. Only 10% of Kenyan youth are engaged in agriculture, with many citing lack of mentorship, unattractiveness of the sector, and lack of access to capital and land as their biggest impediments. Kagwe urged the older generation of farmers to be futuristic and bravely introduce the youth into agriculture so they can take over.

During a tour at the Gachatha Coffee Factory, Kagwe praised the directors for transparency in the management of the 62-year-old coffee cooperative society. He also urged directors of coffee societies in the country to adopt openness and transparency in their leadership style. Kagwe reassured farmers that his ministry is on course to revitalize the coffee sub-sector and help it regain its rating as a leading exporter of high-quality coffee for roasters and blenders.

Read More @ Kenya News