How women are transforming coffee production in Kenya

A group of Kenyan smallholder women farmers are transforming the country's high-value coffee sector by pooling their resources.

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When we drink coffee, we focus on the fragrant brew or the ritual of brewing a cup of coffee.

Thinking about the global network of growers, pickers, roasters, and traders making our cup of coffee possible is most often very far removed from our thoughts.

In Kenya, coffee is an important component of the country's economy and one of the top three export crops. The coffee industry provides employment to thousands of farmers and workers. About 60% of the best coffee in Kenya is produced by smallholder farmers, of which many are women. The coffee sector has, however, faced some challenges that particularly impacted women involved in the industry.

WOMEN IN COFFEE

On the highlands of the Great Rift Valley in Kenya a small shareholder women farmers' group, North of the Rift Women in Coffee (NORT), is growing speciality single origin Arabica coffee. NORT is based in Trans-Nzoia County where agriculture is the main economic driver.

Speaking at the 2025 congress of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 15 to 18 October, and hosted by Media for Environment, Science, Health and Agriculture, Christine Masta, communications, public and government affairs manager at BASF in Kenya, said BASF was working with NORT to improve women's economic participation along the coffee value chain. “This group of women is transforming Kenya’s coffee industry by pooling their resources. Through their collaboration, they are challenging traditional barriers in the industry and redefining the role of women.

“By promoting best practices and providing training in agricultural knowledge, services, and markets, BASF is equipping women coffee farmers with the tools they need to thrive and to open up new opportunities,” Masta stated.

This is especially important, taking into account the current challenges, she added.