Registered in 1985, the Kabng’etuny Farmers Co-operative Society is located in Kericho County in the Rift Valley of Kenya. Since then, with over 300 members in Kericho and an additional 200 in Nandi County, the Kipkelion Women’s Union was formed and has played a pivotal role in supporting women in coffee farming. However, the capacity of these women farmers is often limited by domestic responsibilities, lack of financial literacy and a gap in their self-confidence to make decisions in their businesses.

Research shows that when women are in control of their household income, the result is better outcomes for the entire community, including health and education. This unique initiative is aimed at building the financial management skills of these women farmers so they can make smart investments, save for the future, and build resilience to economic shocks. Our goal is to also create a network of women leaders for farmer groups and cooperatives.

Smaller than typical bees, Meliponas bees are stingless but powerful pollinators that help sustain the Amazon’s biodiversity. While they can only do their work while the sun is shining because they can’t fly during downpours, they make up for this by pollinating up to 35,000 flowers throughout their average lifetime of five weeks. Studies show that Meliponas bees can help increase the size, weight and aroma of coffee cherries, as well as the plant’s productivity. They’re also highly sustainable: although one bee may only live for five weeks, the colony is constantly reproducing so there is never a shortage.

Through this initiative, we’re introducing Meliponas bees to Robusta coffee farmers at Witoca, with the goal of improving the quality, volume and taste of the coffee cherries, helping farmers earn an increased income from their work. We’re also establishing a program to train farmers and community members in the bee care process, building their skills and capacity to manage Meliponas apiaries and produce and sell honey.