Kenya’s Kiganda coffee estate earns Rainforest Alliance regenerative certification
The certification is expected to strengthen Kiganda’s access to premium coffee markets while supporting more consistent production and sustainable farming practices.
KENYA – Kenya’s Kiganda Coffee Estate has become the first farm in Africa to receive the Rainforest Alliance Regenerative Agriculture Standard certification, marking a significant development for sustainably produced coffee in the region.
The 65-hectare estate, managed by Coffee Management Services, produces an average of 110 to 120 tonnes of green coffee annually, equivalent to about six containers. Most of its coffee is exported to Europe and the United States.
Coffee Management Services Group General Manager Martin Ngare said the certification could improve returns by supporting coffee quality and increasing the share of higher-value grades.
“There is always about a dollar difference per kilo on certified coffees as opposed to other coffees,” Ngare told The Standard.
He said regenerative agriculture was also helping the estate achieve more consistent production. Coffee production typically fluctuates between seasons, with a heavy crop often followed by a significant decline in the subsequent year.
Ngare said the practices introduced at Kiganda were helping to reduce these fluctuations and deliver more predictable coffee volumes, an important consideration for international buyers seeking reliable supplies.
“For the customers that buy from us, they need to know if they order six containers of coffee, they can get the same volumes the following year,” he said.
The Rainforest Alliance said the certification could encourage buyers to support farms transitioning to regenerative agriculture.
Julius Ng’ang’a, Senior Director for Impact Programmes in East and Southern Africa at the Rainforest Alliance, said regenerative agriculture requires investment from farmers and that producers should receive appropriate rewards for adopting the practices.
He urged coffee buyers to support certified farms so producers can recover their investments while developing a sustainable value chain that benefits farmers, businesses and consumers.
At Kiganda, certification follows changes in the management of soil, water, crops and pests. The estate uses organic manure and mulch to improve soil health, while soil analysis guides the application of inorganic fertiliser.
The farm has also introduced water-saving ring basins around coffee trees to reduce evaporation and improve water utilisation.
Integrated pest management is used at the estate, combining cultural, biological and mechanical controls before approved chemicals are applied where necessary. Shade and nitrogen-fixing trees are also used to support soil fertility and biodiversity.
Kiganda Farm Manager Paul Kabubi said the certification would also improve conditions for the estate’s nearly 200 workers while supporting the farm’s long-term sustainability.
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
