Three counties from Mount Kenya East region have resolved to market coffee together for better returns.

The Embu, Tharaka Nthi and Meru counties seek to ensure that farmers reap maximum benefits from their produce.

Embu Governor Martin Wambora said the counties will work together in looking for a good market for coffee.

“When we are united we can have bargaining power for our farmers who are currently struggling to earn a decent living,” he told Building Bridges Initiative delegates Thursday at Embu School of Government.

He was accompanied by Tharaka Nthi deputy governor Francis Kagwima and his Meru counterpart, Titus Ntuchiu.

Mr Wambora said for decades farmers have been earning peanuts due to lack of market for their produce and exploitation by middlemen.

“We have decided to unite and free farmers from the chains of exploitation. Together we shall succeed,” he said.

Mr Wambora told farmers to be patient saying the counties are doing “everything possible “to help them.

“We are determined to ensure farmers enjoy their farming,” he said.

Mr Wambora noted that counties play an important role in agriculture, adding that farmers will be assisted to get better prices for their coffee.

Mr Wambora said the BBI has good recommendations that can help farmers improve their livelihoods.

” The document will address problems facing farmers and bring more resources to the grass roots. No one should oppose this document,” he said.

Mr Kagwima said the counties are working together to make the lives of farmers better.

“Coffee farmers have been suffering and as counties we must do something to help them,” he said.

Mr Ntuchiu noted that coffee farmers have been toiling but end up incurring heavy losses.

“We are united this time for the welfare of our people,” he said.

BUSINESSDAILYAFRICA.COM

Dec 7, 2020