Globally, major shifts in food consumption are occurring, consumers are increasingly moving towards sustainable sourcing and consumption. The shifts in global and local markets have been attributed to among them the considerable health and environmental consequences that are linked with some conventional farming practices including destruction of ecosystems, the use of synthetic fertilisers and/or harmful pesticides. To cater to the growing demand for sustainably produced products and services, more retailers are sourcing for organic produce. Majority of coffee producers are smallholder farmers producing over 60% of all Kenyan coffee, these farmers are autonomous and apply various practices that may not necessarily be sustainable or approved organic coffee production guidelines.



The DANIDA-funded Traceable Organic Coffee From Kenya (TRACE Kenya) project’s development objective is to foster economic growth and promote environmental and social standards of over 15,000 smallholder coffee producers (30% women, 10% youth) in Kericho, Nandi and Bungoma counties of Kenya. The project is implementing multi-pronged initiatives that encompass capacity building on innovative organic coffee practices, facilitating access to high-yielding and disease-resistant coffee varieties and eco-friendly inputs and technologies supporting the targeted farmers transition to organic coffee production. This has led to new job opportunities, has boosted farmer incomes from improved farmers’ productivity (volumes and quality) contributing to increased farmers’ incomes and sustainability. The project interventions have boosted innovation in organic inputs and service provision with development of organic inputs supply chains leading to creation of decent jobs and improved access to quality inputs. The project is equipping youth with the requisite skills and knowledge to enable them to explore on-and-off farm enterprises (economic opportunities) creating decent jobs along the value chain.