Kenya's Coffee Crisis: Farmers Battle Climate Change to Protect 'Black Gold'

In the stunning volcanic highlands of Komothai, Kenya, coffee farmers like Simon Macharia are struggling to maintain their prized crop amidst the threats posed by climate change. For over a century, this region has been celebrated for its Kenya AA coffee beans known for their rich quality and complex flavors, earning the local coffee the nickname ‘black gold.’ However, the coffee trees, which require stable and specific climatic conditions, are now facing challenges from rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns.

Farmers invest years into their coffee trees before seeing a return, yet many earn only a fraction of the amount that a cup of coffee sells for in European cafes, creating a stark contrast between their wages and global coffee prices. The impact of climate change is palpable, with increased disease outbreaks like coffee leaf miners and coffee berry disease further threatening production. Farmers are forced to resort to harmful chemicals to combat these issues, risking long-term soil health and their own safety.

Water scarcity is another pressing issue, as coffee cultivation demands significant amounts of water, which is becoming harder to access due to changing weather patterns. Despite recognizing the dire situation, farmers like Joseph Kimani and John Murigi are hopeful for solutions, such as planting trees to provide shade. Yet, many are losing faith in the industry’s future, fearing that the lack of support and the ongoing effects of climate change may leave coffee farming behind as an unviable occupation for their children.