Kenya’s Coffee Farmers Face EU Market Loss Amid New Deforestation Regulations
NYERI, Kenya (AP) — For two decades, Sarah Nyaga has cultivated coffee on her small farm in Embu County, central Kenya, relying on the global export market to support her family. But a new European Union law aimed at curbing deforestation is threatening the livelihoods of Nyaga and thousands of other smallholder coffee farmers across the country.
The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which came into effect this month, prohibits the import and sale in the EU of commodities linked to deforestation and forest degradation. While the law targets several products – including cocoa, palm oil, soy, timber, and rubber – coffee is a key concern for Kenya, where the sector contributes significantly to the national economy and employs a substantial portion of the agricultural workforce.
“Many farmers here don’t even know this law exists,” Nyaga said, echoing concerns voiced by others in the rural coffee-growing regions. “We rely on local radio for information, and it hasn’t been explained to us in a way we can understand.”
The challenge lies in the EUDR’s complex requirements for traceability and geolocation mapping. Farmers must provide precise GPS coordinates of their farms to demonstrate they are not contributing to deforestation. This data is then used by EU regulators to verify compliance through satellite imagery.
“The language of the EUDR is too technical for many farmers, especially those who are illiterate,” explained Peter Maina, a farmer in Nyeri County. “They simply don’t understand what’s being asked of them.”
Beyond the comprehension barrier, access to technology poses a significant hurdle. Many Kenyan coffee farmers lack reliable internet access and the digital tools – like smartphones – needed to implement the required traceability systems.
“Insufficient access to infrastructure and technical support is a major barrier to EUDR compliance,” said George Watene of the Global Coffee Platform. “The requirement for detailed geolocation mapping is particularly challenging, not just for smallholders but also for cooperatives and estates.”
The Kenyan government acknowledges the looming crisis. Felix Mutwiri, head of the country’s Coffee Directorate, stated that a multi-agency team has been established to ensure compliance and safeguard Kenya’s position as a leading coffee exporter to the EU.
“We have rolled out geolocation mapping drives and training programs for smallholder farmers to help them meet the EUDR requirements,” Mutwiri said.
However, progress is slow. Bruno Linyuri, Director General of Kenya’s Agriculture and Food Authority, revealed that only 30% of the country’s coffee farms – approximately 32,688 hectares out of a total of 109,384 hectares – have been geo-mapped as of January 21, 2026.
The stakes are high. According to government estimates, Kenya could lose an estimated KES 90 billion (approximately $695 million USD) in export earnings over the next five years if it fails to comply with the EUDR. In 2024, Kenya exported 53,519 tons of coffee valued at KES 38.4 billion ($296.8 million USD). Production rose 13% in 2025 to 850,000 bags (51,000 tons), with exports increasing by 10% to 840,000 bags (50,400 tons). The EU currently purchases 60% of Kenya’s coffee exports.
The EUDR isn’t solely about trade; it’s about environmental protection, Linyuri emphasized. “We have a problem with deforestation as people clear forests to plant coffee and other crops. This policy will help us address that. If we continue destroying our environment, farmers will eventually have nowhere left to farm.”
The regulation’s impact extends beyond economic concerns. Kenya’s coffee sector supports an estimated 1.5 million household employees, representing 30% of the country’s agricultural labor force. The sector is projected to reach USD 2.4 billion by 2033, making its preservation crucial for national development.
The situation highlights the growing tension between global environmental regulations and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in developing countries. While the EUDR aims to promote sustainable practices, its implementation requires significant investment in infrastructure, technology, and education to ensure that farmers like Sarah Nyaga aren’t left behind.
(Reporting by Jackson Okata in Nyeri, Kenya)