Tasting Notes

Chamomile, Blackcurrant, Sugarcane & Lemon.

Roast Level

Process

Particulars

Elevation:	1,800 m
Variety:	Ruiru 11/Baitan
Process Type:	Washed
Producer:	Gikanda Farmers

About this Specialty Coffee

Located in the heart of Kenya, on the fertile slopes of Mount Kenya, the Gikanda Farmers Co-operative Society is a testament to the transformative power of collective effort and sustainable agriculture. Founded in 1996, this co-operative boasts 3,152 members, a third of whom are women, dedicated to producing top-quality coffee on 312 hectares of land. Through the adoption of good agricultural practices, including proper use of pesticides, members like Rose Githoni have seen their yields significantly increase, from 500 to as much as 1,500 beans per bush, highlighting the potential for improved livelihoods through knowledge and collaboration.

Gikanda's journey is marked by its aspirations to lead in quality coffee production and ensure better living standards for its members by securing high payment rates and accessing affordable farm inputs. Despite challenges such as unpredictable weather and coffee prices, the co-operative's success in increasing coffee sales and benefiting from Fairtrade premiums has had a ripple effect, positively impacting the entire community and strengthening local economies. Gikanda stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the far-reaching benefits of sustainable farming practices and fair trade in rural Kenya.