Meet Naftaly: ‘It makes me feel anxious… these days you can’t predict the climate’'
At 27 years old, Naftaly Kinyua Wachira is balancing two demanding worlds. Between lectures at university, he returns to his family farm in Kenya, where he grows the coffee that ends up in cups across the UK. But since he began farming in 2018, the climate he depends on has become increasingly unpredictable.
7 Questions with Naftaly:
Tell us about yourself, Naftaly?
“I am 27 years old. I have been growing coffee for about 4 years – since 2018. I am a young farmer… interested in farming coffee, and also a student of Kirinyaga University… studying for a Bachelor’s in Interior Design and Fashion Design”
What is happening to the climate where you live?
“These days you can’t predict the climate. Earlier it was easy to know that a certain day you can apply manure, a certain day you can apply pesticide… We have periods with long seasons of rain. So, you can’t predict the climate.”
What impact does this have on your farm and your livelihood?
“During these times… [coffee farming] won’t be pocket-friendly. The production will be minimal, and these changes dealing with pests can be difficult and this reduces production. The [climate] changes also affect the timings of taking care of crops.”
How do you feel as a young farmer?
“[Climate change] makes me feel anxious. I wouldn’t want my plants to wither or dry up. I have to do something to sustain my plants.”
What are you doing to support yourself and adapt?
“I have planted trees… and I can plant cash crops instead of food crops. This has been helpful because when you have another source of income… it can sustain you, because you are not relying on only one source.”
I use methods like mulching, early pruning of coffee plants so as to take care of pests. Using manure instead of fertiliser is better because it retains more water. It also does not pollute the soil”
How is Fairtrade supporting you?
“[Fairtrade supported projects] train on better ways to deal with the climate changes. Like dealing with pests, and how to farm… for maximum production of coffee. … I have learnt things I didn’t know”
Looking ahead, what do you hope for the future?
“I would like to be more adaptable when there are these changes. Like having compost heaps and other ways to sustain my crops in case of any changes.”
When climate change threatens everything
Across Kirinyaga County, where Naftaly farms coffee, the impacts of climate change are already being felt. Unpredictable weather patterns, new pests and crop diseases are reducing yields and making farming increasingly difficult. In previous years, diseases have caused 90% crop loss. In Naftaly’s community, this extends far beyond the farm. Rivers that once provided reliable water sources have been drying up, forcing farmers to ration water - affecting both coffee production and daily life. At the same time, changing weather and reduced harvests mean families have struggled to grow or afford enough food. Yet, the global system often leaves farmers with very few options to adapt. For every £3 spent on a cup of coffee in the UK, producers typically receive around 4p. And while the UK drinks millions of cups of coffee, only 8% is Fairtrade - meaning many farmers are still exposed to volatile prices and climate risk.
Building resilience through Fairtrade
Naftaly is part of the Mutira Coffee Growers Cooperative Society, a Fairtrade-certified organisation with over 5,400 farmer members working together to improve quality, resilience and incomes. Through Fairtrade and climate-focused programmes like FACSCA, farmers receive training in more sustainable agricultural practices - including mulching, pruning, pest management and soil conservation - supporting them to adapt to changing conditions while protecting their land.
Young farmers leading change
Young people like Naftaly are growing our favourite food and drinks. With the right support, they can invest in protecting their crops, their livelihoods, and the environment we all depend on. Across the co-operative, Fairtrade-supported investments have included planting trees, equipment to improve production, setting up learning centres to train farmers, and working with more climate-resilient varieties of coffee beans. For Naftaly, these changes are about securing his future. By planting trees, diversifying income and learning new techniques, he is leading the way for the next generation.
