A labour crisis is simmering in the coffee industry as youthful workers leave to take up better paying jobs elsewhere or in the fast-growing horticulture sub-sector. Most coffee farms, especially the small-holder ones that form the bulk of the industry, are currently being tended by elderly people who cannot cope with the labour intensive work.
The latest survey by the Kenya Coffee Traders Association (KCTA) revealed that although coffee growing areas are some of the most densely populated, they are also paradoxically faced with shortages of farm labour.
“For instance, in small-holder sub-sector, the average age of coffee farmers is currently estimated at 56. This implies an empty nest scenario in set-ups that have traditionally relied on family labour to undertake farming activities,” the association said in a report on its findings. “As a consequence there has been down scaling of area under coffee that is likely to be attended to. This has further been compounded by the general lack of interest among the younger population.”
Industry estimates showed that the area under coffee this year is 142,117 hectares, down from last year’s recorded 149,218 hectares.
KCTA secretary Issac Muchomba said intense competition for youthful workers between the two sub-sectors could be causing the tilt. “Many believe they can make quick and direct cash in horticulture ...but this doesn’t hold much ground because competitive wages are also provided in the coffee industry,” he said.
Analysts however said most youth considered coffee farming old fashioned and preferred to work in the horticulture industry, which they believe is trendier. Others have opted for better paying white collar jobs in urban areas. This has led to higher labour costs.
The daily wages around the growing areas of central Kenya have recently climbed to Sh150 ($2.25). Previously large scale estates paid workers Sh115 a day while co-operatives that bring together numerous small-holder farms paid an average of Sh100 a day.
Industry insiders said co-operatives were the hardest hit by the labour shortage because most of them still relied on small holder work force.
“We haven’t been affected as large producers; I don’t know what the case would be for smaller players,” said Etiene Elbar of Socfinaf Coffee Limited which runs large estates in central Kenya.
The large estates have steady labour supply because their establishments are run by professional managers, unlike the smaller farms that depend on localised labour from their families.
Several co-operatives have, however, borrowed a leaf from them and are also employing professional managers.
“The concept of contract management is fast taking root and we hope it will help to resolve these labour issues,” said Mr. Muchomba.
Business Daily Africa
To ease your site search, article categories are at bottom of page.
