Farmers know very little detail of the value chain once it leaves their farm-gate, and what they read in the local press is normally misleading or completely inaccurate. At the other end of the spectrum, overseas buyers cannot find Kenya coffee facts and figures easily. In an effort to bridge this gap, this pilot project seeks to collect crop assessment data. This will be collected from both the small scale and large scale coffee growers. See a sample assessment report.

In addition, the pilot project has an activity aimed at providing pertinent market information. This has been done through The Coffee Report published every Thursday in the Daily Nation. It gives the weeks auction prices. See a sample

The pilot project also includes a Radio programme on Radio Citizen 106.7 FM. The aim of the programme is to disseminate the week’s auction prices and educate the farmer on best coffee growing practices. In addition there is a feedback line provided to respond to queries. Finally, a quarterly newsletter is produced highlighting a wide range of issues in the coffee industry.

In all from the radio programme feedback there is an indication of appreciation of the information available. Exporters are able to budget and draw up their marketing strategies based on reliable information