Esther Koskei still remembers the moment she became an independent coffee farmer. Alongside other local women, she was called to a meeting at Kabngetuny Farmers’ Cooperative Society. Esther’s husband, along with the other women’s husbands, was a coffee farmer and member of the co-op. That day, the women learned that they would each be given coffee seedlings of their own. It was a big moment: as Esther explains, it was not only the first time each of them would have their own seedlings to farm, it was also the first time any of them could say they owned something.

“This is the first time we as women were empowered by being given these bushes,” says Esther. Esther and the other women were now independent coffee farmers, equipped to grow their own coffee and earn their own income. For the first time, each of them was also able to open a bank account. “I’m a proud woman, because I have an account in my name,” says Esther. She explains that before, when her or her children needed money, she would first need to ask her husband. Having her own income empowered her with a huge amount of financial independence and freedom. She could buy school supplies for her children, sugar or salt for her kitchen, or anything else she needed. She could also support the family by contributing to the children’s school fees.

By sourcing responsibly with Fairtrade, &BACK ensures that farmers like Esther can earn better prices for their coffee, can invest in their futures and have good working conditions. After receiving her coffee seedlings, Esther also had access to agricultural training, ensuring she had the skills and tools to help her new crops succeed.