Farmers in Vihiga County have been encouraged to embrace coffee farming as part of ongoing efforts to boost household incomes and strengthen the county’s agricultural economy.
The call was made during at Hobunaka Grounds in Luanda Sub County, where representatives from the Coffee Plantation Committee unveiled plans for an upcoming coffee expansion programme targeting farmers across the county.
Speaking during the function, the committee’s representative, Aineya Alexander, announced that preparations were underway to distribute coffee seedlings to registered farmers, as part of a broader initiative aimed at increasing coffee production and improving livelihoods.
Alexander disclosed that the programme has set aside approximately 17,000 coffee seedlings for distribution to farmers who successfully registered and qualify under the initiative.
He urged farmers to join existing registered coffee cooperatives or mobilize themselves into new cooperatives to facilitate easier registration, application and allocation of seedlings.
According to Alexander, the programme requires participating farmers to set aside at least a quarter-acre of land for coffee cultivation.
He explained that the decision was reached after extensive consultations between the committee and farmers, who agreed that a quarter-acre was a practical and manageable acreage that most households could provide for the project.
“The committee engaged farmers and agreed that a quarter-acre of land would be an achievable commitment for many households while still ensuring meaningful coffee production,” he said.
Alexander noted that interested farmers are required to register for the programme at a fee of Sh 300, payable through Paybill Number 400200, Account Number 1142840.
He emphasized the importance of proper registration to enable accurate planning, coordination and equitable distribution of the seedlings.
The committee representative further encouraged farmers seeking clarification or assistance with the registration process to visit their local chiefs’ offices.
He noted that area chiefs are working closely with the programme’s implementation team to support farmers and provide guidance throughout the registration exercise.
He specifically acknowledged Chief Irene Ombima, who serves as a member of the committee, for her role in supporting the initiative and helping farmers access information regarding the programme.
Alexander expressed optimism that the coffee expansion programme would help diversify agricultural production in Vihiga County, while creating sustainable income opportunities for farming households.
He observed that coffee farming remains one of the country’s most promising cash crops and has the potential to significantly improve livelihoods when properly managed.
The programme forms part of broader efforts to promote high-value agricultural enterprises, strengthen farmer incomes and stimulate economic growth within the county.
Leaders present welcomed the initiative, expressing confidence that increased investment in coffee farming would create employment opportunities, enhance household earnings and contribute to the long-term economic transformation of Vihiga County.
Farmers were encouraged to take advantage of the registration period and participate in the programme to benefit from the county’s efforts to revitalize coffee production and promote sustainable agricultural development.
As Vihiga County continues to pursue strategies aimed at improving livelihoods and strengthening the agricultural sector, stakeholders expressed hope that the coffee expansion initiative will become a catalyst for economic empowerment among local farming communities.
By Kelly Barasa and Maureen Imbayi
