Abstract:
Coffee is one of the most important cash crops in the country and is a major source of foreign
income. Despite the increasing trend of coffee prices since 2002, production in Kirinyaga East
sub-county has remained low. This has negatively impacted on the farmers’ income from the
enterprise thus affecting their livelihood due to poor income. This study aimed at investigating the
factors influencing decline of coffee production in Kirinyaga east sub-county and the necessary
interventions to alleviate the problem. A total of 65 farmers were selected from the study area
using a stratified random technique and structured questionnaire used to collect data. The selection
of farmers was done by dividing the entire population in to stratums. The three agro ecological
zones suitable for coffee farming represented the stratums. Three cooperative societies cutting
across the three zones were then selected and 13 wet mills further selected to represent the
stratums. Finally, farm households were randomly selected from each of the selected factories.
The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression and presented in form of tables,
graphs and charts. The results indicated that majority of the farmers, 32.3% fel under the age
cluster of between 51-60 years. Out of the 80% who required credit, only 47.9 had access. This
lack of credit negatively influences production. The study also revealed that only 16.9% of farmers
were aware of commodity funf despite its existence for the last eleven years. The varibles which
were statisticaly significant were the total number of coffee trees, income from other sources and
failure to consult extension agents. Agricultural based policies should thus focus on ensuring that
farmers have adequate access to credit and improved extension services. On the other hand,
farmers should ensure diversification of income as well as increasing the number of coffee tree.
