Kenya Baragwi Muchagara

The Region: Kirinyaga, Central Kenya

Many rivers run through central Kenya and the soil is rich and volcanic, providing smallholders and Cooperatives with the resources to grow and process some of Kenya’s most fruit-forward coffees. The combination of fertile soil, seasonal rainfall and high altitude provide the ideal climate for coffees characterised by high acidity, full body and ripe fruit flavours. Coffees from the Kirinyaga region tend to develop and mature slowly, producing very dense, hard beans high in acidity and complexity.

The Growers: Baragwi Farmers’ Cooperative Society

Baragwi FCS is the largest society in Kenya, operating 12 washing stations and with a membership of over 17,000 smallholder farmers. While the organisation is large, the Cooperative has successful implemented consistent processing and training methods across all of its sites. Year on year, more farmers are also using shade trees to combat climate change and enhance the growing environment.