Women In Coffee Farming

Role of Women in coffee farming
September 1, 2023 by
Gladys Kyule
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In Kenya, women are responsible for 70% of the labor required for coffee farming, yet they only own roughly 20% of Kenyan coffee estates. Coffee farming is an art of knowledge, skill, precision, nurturing, and, most importantly, patience - qualities that most women possess.


A graph showing gender equity in coffee farming

Solai Coffee advocates inclusivity and equal opportunities to reflect women's vital contribution to coffee cultivation. It values equality and prides itself in empowering women to have equal opportunities in coffee farming. 

With the industry's future on the line, Solai Coffee is joining multiple stakeholders (farmers) in leveraging opportunities to reverse this trend. 

A recent trip( read more here) to the Solai region in Nakuru County, Kenya, unveiled the indomitable role of women in coffee farming.



​Margaret Nyambura and Alice Wangeci are two female farmers who symbolize hope and progress in the fight towards harnessing women's engagement and fair compensation in coffee farming.

Meet Margaret Nyambura, Liwani Farm Owner

Margaret Nyambura is among the few unsung heroes now taking a significant role in coffee farming. As a farm owner at Liwani, Margaret describes coffee farming as a long-term investment that people should consider.

"For me, coffee farming isn't just a livelihood; it's a way of life that has spanned generations. I've witnessed the transformative power of cultivating this cherished bean from the beginning. Today, I am a proud matriarch, working hand in hand with my sons, nurturing a coffee legacy that embraces both the past and the future. So far, my family and I are a united force in the coffee business," Margaret shares, her voice tinged with gratitude.

Margaret's narrative is one of dedication, determination, and devotion to the art of growing this cherished bean.

An image showing Margaret, Liwani coffee farm owner, posing for a photo in front of a coffee tree Margaret Nyambura in her coffee farm, Liwani coffee estate


Meet Alice Wangeci, Wagika Farm owner.

Alice Wangeci owns the Wagika Coffee estate in Solai village, where coffee farming is shifting. In an interview, Alice revealed that she loves bringing people together for harvesting, among other farm operations.

"My name is Alice Wangeci, and I stand as both a mother and a woman in coffee farming.

Coffee farming isn't just a profession; it's woven into the fabric of our lives. Every day, I find myself working side by side with women in our coffee farms. It's a journey that fosters our bond and grants them the freedom to explore experiment, and better our lives".



Alice, a dedicated mother like Margaret, expressed her gratitude for her children in coffee farming. For Alice, the harvesting season at the end of the year is some of the best moments of her life as it brings farmers together, especially women.


My journey as a mother and a coffee farmer has been one of growth, resilience, and gratitude. Through the Solai Coffee family, my endeavors find resonance and recognition, reminding me that we're not just cultivating beans; we're sowing the seeds of a vibrant future, one cup at a time.

Inclusivity fosters Equality and Women's Empowerment.

Cultural norms have made women victims of inequality in both social and economic platforms. For decades, women have played pivotal roles in coffee farming.

At Solai, we believe in women's engagement in all parts, from planting the seed to processing coffee beans. With inclusivity comes women's empowerment, gender equality, and sustenance of growth.

It is time to acknowledge and empower our women to excel in coffee farming. Contact us and experience the sheer quality of Solai coffee beans!

Remember! Solai Coffee, One Sip, That's It. Instant Joy!




Let's unite to empower and uplift women in the coffee farming



Gladys Kyule September 1, 2023
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