Monthly Archives: February 2026

The National Coffee Cooperative Union (NACCU) recently held a strategic meeting with Dimitra to review progress on ongoing initiatives and explore new opportunities for collaboration aimed at empowering coffee cooperatives across Kenya.The meeting focused on assessing milestones achieved so far, identifying key lessons learned, and aligning on the next phase of partnership implementation. Both teams reaffirmed their shared commitment to improving livelihoods within the coffee value chain—especially for women and youth.

Key Highlights of the Meeting:

1. Progress Review

NACCU presented updates on member engagement, capacity-building activities, and digital inclusion efforts supported through the partnership. The report highlighted increased participation of women in cooperative leadership and improved access to information through digital tools.

2. Empowering Women and Youth

Dimitra emphasized the importance of community-driven communication platforms that amplify the voices of women farmers. Discussions centered on strengthening grassroots engagement and ensuring more inclusive decision-making structures within cooperatives.

3. Technology for Development

The teams explored ways to leverage digital platforms to improve transparency, communication, and knowledge-sharing among cooperative members. Enhancing access to timely agricultural information remains a key priority.

4. Next Steps

Both organizations agreed to scale up collaboration, enhance monitoring mechanisms, and roll out additional support programs tailored to member needs.

A Shared Vision

This partnership reflects a shared vision of building resilient coffee cooperatives that are inclusive, transparent, and economically sustainable. By combining NACCU’s strong cooperative network with Dimitra’s innovative community engagement approach, the collaboration continues to deliver meaningful impact.Together, we are cultivating not just coffee—but opportunity, equity, and sustainable growth.

The National Coffee Cooperative Union (NACCU) recently held a high-level consultative meeting with Equity Bank Kenya to explore potential partnership opportunities aimed at strengthening Kenya’s coffee cooperative movement.Building Financial Strength for CooperativesAccess to affordable and structured financial solutions remains a critical need for coffee cooperatives. The discussions centered on tailored banking products that can support working capital, advance payments to farmers, infrastructure development, and modernization of cooperative operations.

Equity Bank Kenya shared insights on innovative financing models designed specifically for agricultural value chains, emphasizing flexibility, accessibility, and sustainability.Promoting Financial Inclusion and LiteracyA key highlight of the engagement was the need to enhance financial literacy among coffee farmers and cooperative leaders. Empowering members with knowledge on savings, credit management, digital banking, and investment planning will strengthen governance and improve financial decision-making at society level.

Digital Transformation in the Coffee Value Chain

The meeting also explored digital payment systems that can improve transparency, efficiency, and traceability in coffee transactions. Leveraging technology will ensure faster payments to farmers and improved accountability within cooperatives.

A Shared Vision for Growth

This engagement reflects a shared commitment to empowering farmers, strengthening cooperative institutions, and enhancing the competitiveness of Kenya’s coffee sector in the global market.As discussions progress, NACCU remains committed to forging strategic partnerships that deliver tangible impact to coffee farmers and cooperative societies across the country.

NACCU recently held a high-level consultative meeting with UNIDO to explore opportunities for collaboration aimed at strengthening Kenya’s cooperative movement through sustainable industrial development.The meeting focused on aligning cooperative growth strategies with industrial development frameworks that enhance productivity, value addition, and market competitiveness. Both institutions recognized the critical role cooperatives play in economic empowerment, job creation, and poverty reduction.

Key Areas of Discussion

1. Value Addition and Agro-Processing

The parties discussed supporting cooperatives to move beyond primary production into value addition, enabling members to access better markets and higher returns.

2. Capacity Building and Technical Support

UNIDO’s expertise in industrial upgrading and enterprise development presents an opportunity to strengthen cooperative governance, production efficiency, and quality standards.

3. Digital and Technological

InnovationModernizing cooperative operations through digital tools and smart technologies was highlighted as a pathway to improving transparency, efficiency, and competitiveness.

4. Youth and Women Empowerment

The collaboration aims to intentionally support women and youth-led cooperatives through targeted training, entrepreneurship development, and access to industrial opportunities.

5. Sustainable and Climate-Smart Development

Both organizations emphasized the importance of environmentally sustainable production systems that align with global sustainability standards.

Looking Ahead

This engagement marks an important step toward building a structured partnership framework that will unlock technical assistance, innovation support, and sustainable industrial solutions for cooperatives.By working together, NACCU and UNIDO are laying the foundation for stronger, more competitive, and resilient cooperative enterprises that contribute meaningfully to national development.

The National Coffee Cooperative Union (NACCU), in partnership with NICE, is excited to host the Coffee Farmers Open Day 2026 under the theme “Coffee Farming as a Business.” This event is designed to empower coffee farmers with knowledge, tools, and technologies that can transform coffee farming into a profitable and sustainable enterprise.

What to Expect

Farmers attending the Open Day will gain practical insights and hands-on experience in key areas of coffee production and agribusiness, including:

Plant clinic and farming tips – Expert advice on improving crop health and yields.

Coffee farming equipment – Demonstrations of modern tools and machinery for efficient farming.

Disease and pest management – Learn how to identify, prevent, and control common coffee pests and diseases.

Soil testing – Understand your soil and how to improve fertility for better productivity.

Processing machinery – Explore coffee processing technologies that enhance quality and market value.

Why Attend?

This Open Day is an opportunity for farmers to connect with industry experts, learn best practices, and discover innovations that can improve productivity and profitability. Whether you are a smallholder farmer, cooperative leader, or agribusiness stakeholder, this event will equip you with valuable knowledge to grow your coffee business.

We look forward to welcoming you to Kipkelion for a day of learning, networking, and innovation in coffee farming.