Day 14 of the RISE Coffee Countdown Calendar - Kenya, Kissii
Origin: Kenya
Location: Kissii, Gusi
Altitude: 1,200 - 1,890 masl
Bean: Arabica
Varietals: Mixed (but 'Peaberry' grade)!
Process: Washed before being dried naturally in the sun - check out Ben looking at this process here
Tasting notes: Chocolate, honey and caramel
Why Alice and Ben love it: This coffee comes from Gusii Coffee Farmers Cooperaitve union who work hard to improve the livelihoods of farmers and grow the coffee sector in the Gusi region of Kenya.
About the coffee - Cooperative spotlight:
This coffee comes from the Gusii Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union (GCFU). This cooperative in Kenya supports smallholder coffee farmers in Kissii and Nyamira counties by providing direct access to international markets, providing vital access to resources, education and increasing farmers' incomes.
The cooperative addresses challenges like low production and poor farming practices through training, improved coffee varieties, and climate-smart agriculture. It also partners with organizations to promote sustainability, restore degraded land, and enhance yields. Managing 22 societies and 72 factories, GCFCU strengthens the local coffee sector, which significantly contributes to Kenya's economy.
GCFU also promotes environmentally friendly practices, including shade-grown coffee and advocates for minimal chemical use. The cooperative also supports biodiversity conservation in the area, including reforestation, and establishing agroforestry nurseries (where new coffee plants are grown).
