Kenya Barichu Gatomboya AB

Barichu Farmers Cooperative Society

Gatomboya smallholder farmers

The Gatomboya factory is located in Konyu, Nyeri, within the Mathira division, at an elevation of 1770 metres above sea level. Established in 1987 under the Mathira FCS, it became part of Barichu FCS in 1996. The factory processes cherries from about 700 smallholders, each averaging 0.4 hectares.

The name "Gatomboya," a Kikuyu word meaning "swamp," refers to the area's swampy terrain, ideal for cultivating arrowroots. Farmers primarily grow SL 28 and SL 34 coffee varieties on rich volcanic soils, alongside other crops like tea, maize, and bananas. Shade trees such as Gravellea, Macadamia, and Eucalyptus are also planted.