Kenya Launches Initiative to Promote Climate-Resilient Tea Farming

Kenya, the world’s largest exporter of black tea, has launched a $50 million initiative to help tea farmers adapt to climate change and adopt sustainable farming practices. The program, funded by the Kenyan government and international donors, will provide farmers with drought-resistant tea varieties, training in water conservation, and access to renewable energy.

The initiative comes as Kenya’s tea industry faces mounting challenges from erratic rainfall and rising temperatures, which have reduced yields and threatened the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers. "Climate change is a real threat to our tea sector. This program is a critical step toward building resilience and ensuring long-term sustainability," said a representative from the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA).

The move has been welcomed by global buyers, including Unilever and Tata Consumer Products, which have committed to sourcing 100% of their tea from sustainable sources by 2030. "Kenya’s initiative aligns with our sustainability goals and supports the livelihoods of tea farmers," said a spokesperson for Unilever.

As the program rolls out, experts believe it could serve as a model for other tea-producing countries, such as Sri Lanka and India, which are also grappling with the impacts of climate change.