Is Coffee Farming Now More Profitable Than Avocados in Kenya?
Comparing Profitability, Market Access, and Ease of Management Between Coffee and Avocado Farming in Kenya
Kenya’s agricultural sector is undergoing a shift. While Hass avocado farming has dominated headlines as a profitable export crop, coffee is making a powerful comeback—thanks to sweeping government reforms, growing global demand, and improved profitability.
If you’re trying to decide between coffee and avocado farming, this comprehensive guide will help you evaluate both options, based on profitability, ease of management, market access, and long-term value. I’ll also share why I personally chose coffee farming over avocado, even though the latter is easier to manage.
Coffee Farming in Kenya: A Goldmine Awakened
Overview
Coffee is Kenya’s legacy crop, once referred to as the backbone of the economy. Choose your variety wisely to have;
- Resistance to Coffee Berry Disease and Leaf Rust
- Compact, high-density growth habit
- High yields with early maturity (2–3 years)
With proper agronomic practices, coffee can be a game-changer for farmers looking for mid- to long-term investments.
Production and Income Potential
- Trees per acre: 1,000
- Average production per tree: 15 kg
- Total production per acre: 15,000 kg (15 tons)
- Average market price: Ksh 128/kg
- Gross income per acre: Ksh 1,919,424
- Gross income (5 acres): Ksh 9.5 million per year
That’s nearly double the income of Hass avocados, with consistent yearly returns once the trees mature.
Cost Breakdown (Per Acre, Year 1)
| Item | Cost (Ksh) |
|---|---|
| Seedlings (Ksh 50 x 1,000) | 50,000 |
| Land preparation | 15,000 |
| Manure and fertilizer | 30,000 |
| Irrigation setup (if needed) | 50,000 |
| Labor (planting + monthly care) | 60,000 |
| Pesticides/sprays | 25,000 |
| Mulching and pruning | 20,000 |
| Total (Year 1) | 250,000 |
From Year 2 onward, the costs reduce as establishment work is already done.
Government Reforms Boosting Coffee
Coffee farming in Kenya had declined due to mismanagement, low farmer pay, and inefficiencies. But recent government interventions are reversing the trend:
- Debt Waivers: The government has written off billions in debts owed by coffee cooperatives, giving them a fresh start.
- Cherry Advance Fund: Farmers can now access upfront payments of Ksh 20 per kg of coffee delivered, helping reduce cash flow issues.
- Revamped Nairobi Coffee Exchange: More transparency has been introduced, allowing farmers to fetch better prices.
- Direct Marketing Licenses: Farmers and cooperatives can now sell directly to international buyers, bypassing middlemen.
- Coffee Research and Training: Institutions like the Coffee Research Institute are actively promoting high-yield, disease-resistant varieties like Ruiru 11 and Batian.
These reforms signal a long-term commitment to coffee revival—a key reason I decided to invest now.
Avocado Farming in Kenya: The Green Gold Option
Overview
Hass avocado farming has surged in popularity due to strong demand in the European and Middle Eastern markets. The trees are drought-tolerant, easier to manage, and attract high export prices when GlobalG.A.P. standards are met.
Production and Income Potential
- Trees per acre: 100–115
- Average fruits per tree (Year 5): ~500
- Total fruits per acre: 50,000
- Export price per fruit: Ksh 20
- Gross income per acre: Ksh 1,150,000
While lower than coffee, this income is still significant—especially considering lower maintenance requirements.
Cost Breakdown (Per Acre, Year 1)
| Item | Cost (Ksh) |
|---|---|
| Grafted seedlings (Ksh 150 x 110) | 16,500 |
| Land preparation | 15,000 |
| Organic manure and compost | 25,000 |
| Irrigation setup | 50,000 |
| Labor (planting + care) | 35,000 |
| Pest and disease control | 10,000 |
| Pruning and weeding | 10,000 |
| Total (Year 1) | 161,500 |
Avocado is cheaper to start and maintain, making it ideal for beginner investors or those with lower capital.
Climate and Soil Requirements
| Factor | Coffee (Ruiru 11) | Avocado (Hass) |
|---|---|---|
| Altitude | 1,400–2,000 m above sea level | 1,000–2,000 m |
| Rainfall | 1,000–1,800 mm/year | 1,000–1,200 mm/year |
| Soil pH | 5.5–6.5 | 5.5–6.5 |
| Drainage | Well-drained, loamy soils | Well-drained, sandy-loam or loam |
| Temperature | 15°C–24°C | 16°C–26°C |
If your land is in highland regions like Nyeri, Murang’a, Kericho, or Kisii, you can grow both. But coffee prefers slightly cooler areas.
Market Access: Coffee vs Avocados
Coffee Market Channels
- Cooperative Societies
- Direct Export Licenses
- Nairobi Coffee Exchange
- Own-brand value addition (roasting, packaging)
Specialty coffee fetches premium prices—even double the auction price if sold directly abroad or to cafes and roasters.
Avocado Market Channels
- Certified Exporters like Kakuzi, Selina Wamucii
- Farmgate collection
- Local markets (when export season is closed)
However, avocados are subject to stringent export rules, including:
- GlobalG.A.P. certification
- Harvest timing (exports allowed only between March–August)
- Fruit size and ripeness checks
Any mistake can lead to rejection and loss.
Value Addition Potential
Coffee
Coffee has high value addition potential. After harvesting and drying:
- Farmers can roast and package beans under their own brand.
- Coffee shops and cafes are rising across Kenya—creating a domestic market.
- You can export directly to specialty buyers.
Avocado
Avocado value addition in Kenya is still limited:
- Few local avocado oil processors exist.
- Value addition mostly benefits exporters, not farmers.
Unless you’re setting up an oil press or drying unit, you’re stuck selling raw fruit.
Why I Chose Coffee Over Avocados
While avocados are easier to manage day-to-day, I personally chose to grow coffee for several compelling reasons:
- High Profit Per Acre: Coffee offers nearly Ksh 800,000 more per acre annually than Hass avocado. Over five acres, that’s a game-changing difference in income.
- Government Reforms: With debt waivers, direct market access, and the Cherry Fund, the government is clearly betting on the future of coffee farmers. I wanted to be part of that transformation.
- Growing Global Demand: Kenya’s specialty coffee is world-famous. Demand is only increasing, especially for high-quality beans from varieties like Ruiru 11.
- Branding and Value Addition: Coffee allows you to roast, package, and sell under your own brand—locally or abroad. It’s more than just farming—it’s a business.
- Easy to Sell: This is one of the most important reasons for me. Coffee has structured and predictable selling systems, from cooperatives to the Nairobi Coffee Exchange. I don’t have to worry about fruit rejection, GlobalG.A.P. rules, or waiting for exporters. Once harvested, I know where and how I’ll sell—no hassle.
Which Crop Should You Choose?
Here’s how to decide:
- New to farming, low capital? Start with avocados.
- Want long-term profit and can commit to care? Go for coffee.
- Access to altitude and cool climate? Coffee thrives.
- Short-term land lease or uncertain tenure? Avocados give quicker returns.
- Thinking about branding and export potential? Coffee offers more options.
You can also combine both—planting coffee in one block and avocados in another to diversify and reduce risk.
Final Thoughts
Both coffee and avocados are excellent investments—but coffee is emerging as the more profitable crop in Kenya and it’s easy to sell! With strong government reforms, global demand, and value addition potential, it’s a chance to build a legacy and earn sustainably.
Personally, I didn’t want to miss this opportunity. Coffee requires effort, yes—but with good management and strategic marketing, it pays richly.
So choose your crop wisely. Kenya’s agriculture is full of potential—and it rewards informed, forward-thinking farmers.
