Coffee farming has always intrigued me. In 2025, I finally took the leap and planted 3,000 coffee seedlings on my farm in Kenya. This journey has been one of vision, learning, and hard work—and I hope it inspires other aspiring farmers who are considering venturing into coffee farming.
Why I Decided to Venture into Coffee Farming
For years, I watched other farmers around me struggle with traditional crops like maize, beans and other horticulture crops. The returns were minimal, and climate unpredictability made things worse. I began researching high-value crops that could give you good assured cash flows with sustainability and came across coffee. I was especially drawn to its long-term profitability, export potential, and the growing global demand for Kenyan coffee.
But more than profit, I wanted to build something sustainable—an agribusiness that could grow steadily over time, benefit my family, and create jobs in my community.
Sourcing the Right Seedlings: Why I Chose Batian Coffee Variety
After weeks of research and consultations with agronomists, I decided to go with the Batian variety. This variety is known for:
- High yield potential
- Resistance to common coffee diseases like Coffee Berry Disease (CBD) and Leaf Rust
- Good cup quality, ideal for the specialty coffee market
I sourced my seedlings from a a friend who owns a reputable coffee nursery in Nandi County, a region known for producing strong, healthy planting material due to its favorable climate and experienced nurseries.
Land Preparation: Starting with the Soil
Proper land preparation is critical in coffee farming. I began by clearing the field and removing all tree stumps and weeds. I then carried out a soil test, which confirmed that my soil had the right pH and nutrients to support coffee growth, with minor recommendations to add manure and phosphorus-rich fertilizer.
Using the recommended spacing of 2 meters by 2 meters, I marked out the planting positions. This spacing ensures each tree gets adequate sunlight, airflow, and room for future canopy expansion.
Digging the Holes: 2 Feet Deep for Strong Roots
Each hole was dug 2 feet deep and 2 feet wide, as advised by experts. I then mixed topsoil with well-decomposed farmyard manure and a handful of phosphate fertilizer before backfilling half the hole. This creates a nutrient-rich foundation that promotes strong root development.
After that, I placed the seedlings in the center of the hole, gently removed the polybag, and filled in the rest of the soil while firmly pressing around the base. I also ensured proper watering immediately after planting.
Challenges I Faced During Planting
No journey is without its hurdles. Here are some of the key challenges I encountered:
1. Water Stress: The rains delayed for a few weeks after I planted. I had to manually water the seedlings using a water tank and hosepipe, which was labor-intensive.
2. Labor Costs: Preparing the land and digging 3,000 holes took a toll on my budget. Good labor was hard to find, and I had to supervise every step to ensure quality work.
3. Seedling Transport: Moving seedlings from Nandi County to my farm required careful planning. Some seedlings suffered minor damage, though I managed to recover most through proper care.
Lessons Learned as a New Coffee Farmer
Start Early with Planning: From sourcing seedlings to land preparation, early planning can save money and reduce stress.
Invest in Soil Testing: Understanding your soil is key to successful planting and long-term productivity.
Choose the Right Variety: The Batian variety has already shown signs of resilience and fast establishment.
Quality Over Speed: It’s better to plant fewer seedlings properly than rush and compromise on quality.
Irrigation Matters: If you’re planting outside the rainy season, having an irrigation plan is crucial.
My Future Plans in Coffee Farming
I’m just getting started, and I’m excited about what lies ahead. My next steps include:
- Mulching and Weed Control: To conserve moisture and keep the field clean.
- Training and Pruning: To shape the young trees for better productivity in the future.
- Top Dressing: Applying fertilizer as per agronomic advice to boost early growth.
- Setting Up a Drip Irrigation System: To avoid reliance on rain and improve water use efficiency.
- Coffee Farmers Group: I plan to connect with other coffee farmers to share knowledge, bulk-buy inputs, and access better markets.
Final Thoughts: A Journey Worth Taking
Coffee farming is not a get-rich-quick scheme—it’s a long-term investment. But with the right variety, good agronomic practices, and patience, the rewards can be immense.
If you’re thinking about venturing into coffee farming in Kenya, my advice is simple: start now, start small, but start right. With 3,000 seedlings in the ground and a heart full of hope, I can confidently say that this has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
