Abstract:
Coffee is one of the most valuable traded commodities in the world. In Africa, it is referred as the
black gold due to its value. Farmers have come up with cooperative societies that assist them to
manage and market their coffee locally and internationally. In Embu County of Kenya, the
production of coffee having a hard time in terms of sustainability, which has made the current
Governor request for audit to know what, is ailing the coffee industry in the county. The purpose
of this study therefore was to establish the factors that influence production of coffee: a case of
Manyatta Constituency in Embu County, Kenya. The study took place in the three coffee growing
areas in Manyatta Constituency of Embu County, Kenya. It was noted that those had other sources
of income were able to take care of their coffee farms better. Kapingazi which had the highest
percentage of businessmen and those who are employed and were able to produce the highest in
1-199kgs yield category and had the highest number of individuals. It was also established that
land fragmentation led to farmers having small farms which they felt that they could not plant
coffee trees which yield is seasonal yet they required growing food for daily use this was proved
by the fact that most farmers said that they require more land for coffee farming. However few
individuals felt that they would not use the extra for coffee farming but other type of farming. This
was probably because of the international coffee crises in place that has decreased the income to
coffee farmers. It was also noted 100% feedback that those farmers had attended training with
regard to coffee farming had improved in their farming methods hence high production. It was
also suggested that further training of the available staff would also improve their working methods
hence satisfying the farmers who come for the training. It was therefore concluded that the
government should work on coffee related income to motivate farmers. Also proper land policies
should be put in place to ensure that land users are able to utilize the available lands hence ensuring
that no idle land in place. Training of farmers is important as it ads knowledge and skills that would
not have been known by these farmers. Finally, employing competent workers in term of
qualifications, training and skills is important as they will be able to handle any kind of drawbacks.
The study recommended further research on coffee production in other counties so that conclusions
should be compared and generalized. Further research should also be done in different counties to
help generalize the findings.
