NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) has showcased a range of climate-smart coffee technologies aimed at increasing productivity, improving resilience to climate change and enhancing farmers’ incomes as part of efforts to revitalise Kenya’s coffee sector.
The innovations were presented during the FAO Hand-in-Hand Initiative Local Private Sector Investment Forum, where Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs Development Wycliffe Oparanya underscored the need for stronger partnerships to transform the country’s coffee industry.
“Revitalizing the coffee sector requires strong cooperatives, strategic investments and sustainable partnerships,” Oparanya said.
At the forum, KALRO’s Coffee Research Institute exhibited certified coffee seedlings, grafting technologies and tissue culture innovations designed to improve farmers’ access to high-quality planting materials while enhancing productivity and climate resilience.
KALRO Coffee Research Institute Director Zachary Kinyua said the institution remains committed to supporting coffee farmers through research-driven innovations that strengthen the entire value chain.
“KALRO remains committed to ensuring farmers have access to certified, high-quality and climate-smart coffee seeds and seedlings to enhance productivity, resilience and competitiveness across the coffee value chain,” Kinyua said.
According to KALRO, the technologies are intended to help farmers improve yields, adapt to changing climatic conditions and produce higher-quality coffee capable of competing in international markets.
The research organisation also noted that linking agricultural research with private sector investment and strategic partnerships is critical to accelerating growth in Kenya’s coffee industry.
Officials said increased adoption of climate-smart technologies is expected to strengthen the country’s coffee value chain, boost export competitiveness, create employment opportunities and increase foreign exchange earnings.
