In the lush hills of Kericho County, Kenya, the Kabngetuny Farmers Cooperative Society weaves a unique tale of gender equality. Traditionally, land ownership in this area has belonged to men, but here, the male co-op members gifted 50 coffee seedlings and parcels of land to their wives. This groundbreaking move offered women both social and economic opportunities: a source of income and presence in the coffee co-op as official members.
Esther Koskei, a member of this co-op, vividly recalls the day she became an independent coffee farmer. She, along with other local women, received their coffee seedlings, marking a milestone in their lives. For the first time, these women owned something, and they were now independent coffee farmers, with the joys and challenges of being small business owners.
As a Fairtrade co-op, Kabngetuny coffee farmers are guaranteed a minimum fair price for their delicious coffee. Additionally, an extra premium paid by &BACK for their coffee is re-invested in local communities to support infrastructure projects and programs for members.
Kabngetuny’s journey stands as a shining example of sustainable and successful farming, coupled with responsible and empowering coffee sourcing. Every cup of &BACK coffee supports these remarkable stories of change.