Scaling Up Kenyan Fair Trade Macadamia Exports

The project's objectives were to relocate and improve plant equipment to achieve full food-grade processing capacity, increase plant capacity to process 100 tons per season, purchase macadamia nuts from local growers, and provide social premiums and fees to the growers' associations. The project's progress during the reporting period from October 1 to December 31, 2011, was satisfactory. The organization carried out a scheduled quarterly preventive maintenance on the existing plant's machineries, boiler, and accessories, and upgraded the existing wash rooms and toilets to meet hygiene and cleanliness standards. The project also made significant progress in purchasing macadamia nuts from local growers. A total of 872 kgs of macadamia nuts were purchased during the reporting period from Taita, with a total payment of Ksh 61,040 made to farmers. The organization also paid a total of Ksh 10,300 to Wamatta as collection and storage fee for 838 kgs purchased during the period. The project's technical assistance to the growers in Meru and Taita resulted in a decrease in rejection rate and an increased yield of macadamia nuts. Ten Senses contracted with Farm to Fork Ltd. to provide technical assistance to farmer groups, which included grafting of tetraphyla trees with intergripholia type, good agricultural practices, and discouragement of intercropping. The project also provided technical assistance to the grower associations in Meru and Taita to increase their ability to manage their associations for the benefit of the members. The organization helped the Kirinyaga association to come up with a draft constitution, which was translated into an English version from the initial Swahili version. The project's export goals were not met during the reporting period, with no exports made during this period. However, nuts processed during the month of October and December 2011 will be exported in January 2012. The project's partnership agreement was extended to one additional grower's group, with at least 500 members. The audit and subsequent certification for this group is scheduled between 9th-12th of January 2012. The project's social enterprise goals were also met, with the organization providing shells to Tapa Trust, a children's home, which saved them Ksh 50,000. Overall, the project made significant progress in achieving its objectives, with some challenges faced during the reporting period. The organization is committed to providing financial and in-kind support to an orphanage in the Kawangware slum in Nairobi. The project's evaluation indicates that the grant activities are achieving the project objectives, with some challenges faced during the reporting period. The organization is committed to addressing these challenges and ensuring the project's success. The project's cost overruns and high unit costs were not significant during the reporting period. The organization is committed to ensuring that the project's costs are managed effectively and efficiently. The project's publications and products, including books, brochures, newsletters, bulletins, and video cassettes, were not funded under the grant during the reporting period.