Climate Crisis Hits Tea Industry Hard, Exposing Vulnerability of Small-Scale Producers

The recent warning about a global tea shortage should come as no surprise, given the devastating impact of climate change on small-scale tea farmers in Kenya. Britain’s primary supplier of black tea, Kenya is facing increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, lower crop yields, and escalating operational expenses that threaten not only the livelihoods of farmers but also the entire industry.

Kenya has long been a crucial player in the global tea market, accounting for nearly half of all black tea consumed in Britain. However, local farmers are struggling to maintain their already meager household incomes due to severe weather volatility. Heavy rainfall during dry periods, unseasonal heatwaves, intense storms, and prolonged droughts have become more frequent occurrences in areas such as Kericho and Bomet.

The consequences for small-scale farmers are dire. In 2022, an unprecedented hail storm damaged thousands of tea plants in Kabartegan district, leaving approximately 500 farmers with significant losses. Lilian Mutai Levin Langot’s story is a stark reminder of the human cost: her farm was wiped out, forcing her to take out a loan just to survive.

The global tea supply chain has failed to protect its most vulnerable members. While intermediaries, brokers, and large corporate firms reap the majority of profits, small-scale producers bear the brunt of climate-related losses. The Kenyan government’s efforts to address these issues through initiatives like Fairtrade certification have had limited success. In fact, Fintea has seen a decline in the amount of tea it sells on Fairtrade terms from around 5% five years ago to less than 1%. This raises questions about the effectiveness of such programs and whether they are truly empowering small-scale farmers or merely creating a new layer of intermediaries.

The warning serves as a wake-up call for consumers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. It highlights the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices, climate-resilient farming techniques, and support systems that prioritize small-scale producers’ well-being. Without these measures in place, the global tea industry risks becoming increasingly dependent on vulnerable supply chains, exacerbating the very problems it seeks to address.

The crisis facing Kenyan tea farmers is part of a broader pattern of climate-related disruptions affecting various industries worldwide. The agricultural sector, in particular, is experiencing unprecedented challenges as extreme weather events become more frequent and severe. Policymakers must prioritize measures such as investing in climate-resilient agriculture, providing financial support to small-scale farmers, and promoting sustainable supply chain practices.

Consumers also have a crucial role to play by demanding greater transparency and accountability from the companies they buy from. Ultimately, the fate of Kenyan tea farmers serves as a stark reminder that our food systems are only as resilient as their most vulnerable members. As we grapple with the consequences of climate change, it is imperative that we address these issues head-on, ensuring that small-scale farmers receive fair compensation and support to adapt to an increasingly unpredictable world.

The tea industry’s vulnerability to climate-related shocks should prompt us to rethink our priorities and values. We must acknowledge that small-scale farmers are not just producers of a commodity but custodians of the land, culture, and traditions that make this industry unique. By recognizing their worth and struggles, we can work towards creating a more equitable and sustainable food system – one that benefits both consumers and those who toil behind the scenes to bring us our daily cup of tea.