Kenya embarks on green trade strategy to combat climate change in tea, coffee sectors

KENYA – Kenya has launched a new initiative to green its trade and consumption in the tea and coffee sectors in an effort to tackle climate change and promote sustainable practices.  

The strategy, known as the Kenya Green Supplement to the National African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) Strategy, aims to address environmental degradation caused by trading practices within these critical value chains. 

Speaking on December 12, 2024, acting Director for External Trade, Joseah Rotich, emphasized the need for urgent interventions to sustain the tea and coffee industries, which contribute approximately 23 percent to Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product and support the livelihoods of around five million people, including 650,000 farmers. 

“Issues of sustainability are becoming extremely important in trade. Agriculture and trade are inseparable, hence the need to mitigate climate change, especially in the tea and coffee sectors, to improve the economy,” Rotich stated. 

Studies have highlighted the environmental challenges associated with tea and coffee production and consumption. For example, a 2024 report by The World Count revealed that every cup of coffee consumed results in the destruction of approximately one square inch of rainforest.  

Additionally, a government economic survey found that coffee processing requires up to 140 liters of water per cup, illustrating the industry’s high water consumption. 

These challenges are compounded by the use of chemicals and the generation of waste during production and processing, which pose health risks to farmers and harm the environment.  

Farmers have also raised concerns about low returns, accountability, and transparency in the sector. 

Daniel Mwoki, a consultant with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, explained that these issues prompted the development of the Green Supplement AfCFTA action plan.  

“Trade can lead to environmental degradation, but it can also support environmental conservation,” Mwoki said. 

The framework aims to encourage farmers to adopt regenerative agriculture methods to enhance soil health while involving women and youth in the value chains.  

It also proposes reallocating tea and coffee production areas to adapt to changing patterns of land suitability and temperatures caused by climate change. 

“Green trade is not only about saving the planet but ensuring people benefit from it while making profits,” Mwoki added. 

If successfully implemented, the strategy is expected to enhance sustainability in the tea and coffee sectors while contributing to Kenya’s broader climate goals outlined in last year’s Africa Climate Summit and the Nairobi Declaration. 

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