**Kenyan Coffee Farmers Face Dire Consequences of Climate Change**

**As climate change intensifies challenges for coffee production in Kenya, local farmers face a grim future despite the global demand for their high-quality beans.**

In the picturesque highlands of Komothai, nestled in Kenya's Rift Valley, coffee farmers like Simon Macharia are struggling to preserve their livelihoods as climate change wreaks havoc on their once-thriving plantations. Here, vibrant red coffee cherries journey through local processing plants, yet their future security hangs precariously in the balance.

Mr. Macharia's small farm, spanning 2.5 hectares (six acres), is home to the renowned Kenya AA coffee beans, celebrated globally for their exceptional quality and flavor. However, the art of coffee growing demands tireless dedication. "From the moment the coffee blooms until the harvest, your entire focus is on the farm," he explains, emphasizing the labor-intensive nature of the crop.

Despite the high prices of coffee globally—often exceeding $4 per cup in Europe—Kenyan farmers experience stark inequity. Many laborers like Edita Mwangi earn just $1.40 a day while supporting families, creating an unsettling disparity between their hard work and the profits reaped by distant consumers. Farmers lament a trading system that favors foreign markets while they grapple with dire economic conditions made worse by climate change.

The ramifications of a shifting climate pose unprecedented threats to coffee cultivation. John Murigi, chairman of the Komothai Coffee Society, outlines the detrimental impact of rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns. These changes have prompted increased pest infestations and crop diseases, prompting farmers to resort to harmful chemicals that jeopardize their land and health.

Water scarcity also presents a formidable challenge. Coffee production is water-intensive, with a single cup requiring up to 140 liters. Yet, dwindling river levels, exacerbated by climate phenomena, force farmers to utilize increasingly limited resources. Despite rising water demands, Mr. Murigi maintains that coffee cultivation does not directly cause the rivers' drying.

Komothai's plight mirrors a global crisis, as climate variability threatens coffee production in key regions worldwide. A recent Fairtrade International survey revealed that nearly all Kenyan coffee farmers are already experiencing significant climate-related changes, heightening concerns over the industry’s stability.

With coffee farming crucial to Kenya's economy and employment, many farmers are exploring climate adaptation strategies, such as enhancing shade with tree planting. However, despite these efforts, a sense of hopelessness lingers. As Mr. Macharia grimly concludes, "Given the current state, I doubt any parent wants their child to continue this work."