Gathaithi Cooperative

The story

Gathaithi Farmers Cooperative Society is located in the Nyeri region of Kenya, situated between Mt. Kenya and the Aberdare ranges. The cooperative operates as a washing station, locally referred to as a factory, serving over 1,600 members who deliver their harvested cherries for processing.

Challenges

Coffee production in the Nyeri region faces pressures from price instability and land-use changes, such as property development, which have historically impacted national output.

Innovations

The cooperative utilizes a traditional Kenyan processing method that includes an additional soaking phase, which is intended to enhance amino-acid development and intensify acidity and fruit flavors. They also maintain a pre-financing program to support their members.