The Coffee Research Foundation (CRF) promotes research into and investigates all issues relating to coffee and other agricultural and commercial systems as are associated with coffee and on matters ancillary thereto.
In order to discharge its mandate, the Foundation has established research stations across the country. The substations are located at Mariene (Meru), Kisii, Kitale and Koru (Kipkelion). The Foundation also runs a demonstration plot at Namwela in Bungoma.
The Foundation prides itself with several achievements which have contributed significantly to the growth and development of the coffee industry in the country. Some of these achievements include selection of high yielding, high quality Arabica coffee varieties, such as, SL 28, SL34, K7; and the disease resistant hybrid variety Ruiru II; development of disease and insect pest management protocols. The Foundation also provides credible and responsive technical advisory and training services.
Coffee Research Foundation is funded mainly through a levy on coffee sales. However, in most of the years, funds from the levy have not adequately covered the Foundation’s budget. Towards overcoming this challenge, the Foundation has stepped up efforts to raisie funds from internal commercial activities, services, external grants and collaborative projects.
Services
Besides conducting research in all Coffee Production, Processing and Marketing aspects, CRF provides the following routine services to the coffee industry.
Soil and Leaf Analysis
Soil and Leaf samples are analyzed and farmers given advice on the best fertilizer to use, the rates and time of application.
Production of Certified Seeds
Coffee Research Foundation is the only authorized source of Certified Coffee seeds. The station has enough quantities of seeds of traditional coffee varieties such as SL28, SL34 and K7. Ruiru-11 seeds are produced through manual pollination, a labour intensive and delicate process hence the supply of seeds has not been able to meet the high demand.
Raising Coffee Seedling
The Foundation supplies seeds to farmers on a first come first served basis. September. Seedlings are raised in the nursery from seeds or vegetative propagation. Testing and evaluation of newly released chemicals for use in coffee such as pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, fertilizers etc to determine their suitability and make recommendations to growers
Chemical Analysis and Evaluation
Testing newly released chemicals for use in coffee such as pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, fertilizers etc to determine their suitability and make recommendations to growers. Samples of chemicals are also analysed to confirm their active ingredients.
Advisory Services to Farmers Through:
Publications to farmers such as the Coffee Production Recommendation Handbook, The Coffee Growers Handbook, The Mapendekezo ya Ukuzaji wa Kahawa among others.
Field Days, Field Visits, Open Days, Agricultural Shows, Radio Programmes and Use of Demonstration Plots.
Residential Training at The Kenya Coffee College
Short courses on coffee production, processing and marketing to farm, Factory and Nursery Managers, Coffee Extension officers and Ordinary farmers are offered. The college is also an ideal venue for seminars and workshops and has excellent catering facilities.
Monitoring and Forecasting
Quarterly weather bulletins are released to farmers advising them on the husbandry and processing practices to be carried out in line with the expected weather conditions.
Other Services Include:
Recording and analyzing meteorological data which include rainfall, temperature and other weather parameters for CRS and substations. This is done on a routine basis.
Linking the coffee industry with the coffee farming community, research Centres and institutions dealing with coffee in and outside Kenya, through, information and material exchange
