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(learnt through Fair Trade Organization of Kenya) Coffee Productivity Challenge A. Contact DetailsApplicant name:SAMWEL GATUMU KAUGIName of the organisation (if any):RIANJAGI FARMERS CO-OP SOCIETYType of organisation (producer organisation, NGO, company etc.):PRODUCERNumber of farmers represented:1680

Region that you work in:MERU COUNTYCountry:KENYAE-mail:Rianjagi2005@yahoo.comTelephone:0721995796/0751995796Website (if available):B. Most limiting constraints

Lack of capital for firm inputsThe firm input consist of fertilizers and chemicals, many peasant farmers lack funds to purchase inputs thus leading poor feeding of coffee and infections by various diseases e.g. C.B.D, leaf rust and bright. Also pests such as mealy bugs, antestia bugs, scale thus leading to destruction and result to low production and of poor quality.

Lack of knowledge in coffee husbandlyMany of the farmers dont have the skills as G.A.P is considered, application of manure, fertilizer, spraying of chemicals, de-suckering and pruning. Improper applications of the above procedures lead to low production.

Poor weather conditionsUn predictable weather conditions where by the dry spell prolongs and affect coffee in many ways e.g. the pests like thrips tend to destroy coffee during this time. Diseases such as leaf rust also destroy coffee most due to dry weather. Coffee berries develop poorly or even fails due to lack of water since water is vital for bean development so bad weather lead to low production.

C)strategy to increase coffee productivity-Good agricultural practices (G.A.P) This entails the following.-Fertilizer use: whether organic or inorganic is usually necessary for achieving economically viable returns but its important to determine the application rates on the bases of soil analysis, cropping history and actual requirement of crop at each stage in its development.-For smallholders use of organic manure whether animal, green or mulch it saves cost improve soil structure for roots establishment. Proper treatment of organic manure is necessary to ensure food safety and avoid leaching- For chemical fertilizer timing of application and soil analysis is required for safety and environmental protection. During application compound fertilizers should be applied six months before flowering ,e.g. for late crop it should be applied in month of October during the rains and for early crop should be applied in month of April. Topdressing fertilizers should be applied during the berry development this is to enlarge berries and add water to the tree.

-Foliar spray This should be done as required especially the month of December .January, February and May, other microelements such as zinc and boron should be applied in the month of January, July and August in order to boost the production.-Liming This is necessary in coffee firms and it depend on soil sampling which determine the soil p.h if the its above 5 it means the soil is acidic and require to be reduced to the required level of 4.5 thus liming is required.

-Pest and deceases control-Use of only approved formulations.-Avoid use of out dated and expired chemicals.-Use of approved chemicals and apply recommended quantity.-Spray when conditions allow avoid wind spread, pollinating insects not flying this will -reduce pollination leading to lower production. The use of chemicals as above help to control deceases like leaf rust, C.B.D and pest such as thrips, scales and mealy bugs which destroy coffee thus reduction in production. -De-suckering this should be done to maintain proper crop leaf ratio.-Pruning this is done to remove the unnecessary trees to have the number required-Weeding weeds compete with coffee for manure and fertilizer so weeding should be done in time.-Shade trees should be provided in coffee firms to provide cover in order to reduce the rate of water evaporation from the soil.Terracing. This should be done on sloppy coffee farms in order to avoid erosion whish wash away manure and fertilizer.

EXTENSION OF STRATEGIES TOWARDS IMPROVED COFFEE PRODUCTIVITYTraining is necessary to small scale farmers, this was done continuously in order to sensitize on G.A.P . In society level a strategy was laid down to train the farmers. 1.) We divided the number of farmers in to small groups e.g. 50 members, then selected leaders from those groups who are literate and train them the G.A.P,these members are the ones to trained others and they arranged with the group members the convenient days and time to meet for specific demonstrations such as pruning, de-suckering, spraying fertilizer application and other relevant practices required in coffee production.

2.)Members education. These were done in society level and members were trained various issues concerning the coffee husbandry, the agricultural officer was invited to train farmers on coffee farming and environmental concerns.

3. Field days. These were done regularly in farm level whereby different stakeholders were invited these were: chemical dealers to train farmers and demonstrate the application of chemicals in coffee. Also officers from coffee research station were invited in order to teach farmers on up coming issue regarding coffee e.g. diseases pests and enlighten the farmers how to cope with them, also they enlightened farmers on new varieties e.g. Batian which are more resistance to various pest and diseases.Also farmers wee trained on soil sampling and its importance -meetings for members regularly to educate them on new information e.g. coffee classification and marketing analysis in order to encourage them to produce more and good coffee.

IMPACTS TO INCREASE COFFEE PRODUCTIVITY

In adaptation of the above strategy farmers have adhered to the G.A.P and the results are reflected. In the last three years the productivity has improved in quantity and quality, before the program most of the members were producing 1 kg per tree and below. After the program the production has greatly improved to 2 kg and above.

To measure this many of the members are ordering firm inputs in big quantities and the ones who never use the inputs started making use of them, this is after the training which were conducted in the farm level.

According to the factory manager the quality has improved managing to get class 3 as compared to previous class 4 and below, also according to the report the premium grades have increased in quantity. Grade AA,AB and PB are raging between 75 to 80%.Visitation of coffee farms by field officer the report shows great change in farm level.

Replication from other organization is that due to our good performance other societies have been visiting our society to learn.Also various organization have shown interest to work with our society e.g. techno serve, fair-trade, Progreso net work and chemical companies.

Farmers have enjoyed the good pay from their harvest which has greatly improved.Coffee prices have improved due to high quality and quantity.The leaving standard of the famers have improved. -

E. Replication by other organizations / farmers

Farmers have enjoyed the good pay from their harvest which has greatly improved.Coffee prices have improved due to high quality and quantity.The leaving standard of the famers have improved.

A farmer mulching his coffee

Shaded coffee Bushes

Composting Farmyard manure before applying in the coffee bushes

Well establish bench terraces in readiness for coffee establishment sparing indigenous tree

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