Gathaithi AB – Kenya

Gathaithi smallholder farmers

This coffee was processed at the Gathaithi Factory, which is operated by a cooperative bearing the same name.

Situated in Nyeri, Central Kenya, the Gathaithi Factory sits at an altitude of 1450 metres above sea level. There are approximately 1,600 active farmers delivering cherries to this station. These cherries come from smallholder farms, each typically containing around 100 to 250 trees. The farms predominantly cultivate SL varieties, with a small portion of Ruiru 11.

It's common for farmers in this region to grow other crops alongside coffee, such as bananas and maize. Additionally, Gravellea or macadamia trees may be planted to offer shade to the coffee plants as they grow.

Most of the farmers use the cherry pulp to mix it with manure and use it as fertiliser.