Smallholder farms on Mount Elgon

The story

Arabica coffee was first introduced to the Mount Elgon region in the 1920s, with the Bugisu sub-region establishing a strong reputation for quality by the 1950s. In recent years, the region has seen a resurgence in specialty coffee production through the establishment of new washing stations and direct-trade initiatives that work closely with individual smallholder families.

Challenges

Farmers face difficulties related to market access, the need for improved farming infrastructure, and the management of traditional coffee trees that are often quite old.

Innovations

Innovations include the adoption of eco-pulping technology, the integration of beekeeping into coffee farms, and the implementation of lot separation and improved wet-processing techniques at community-led stations.