Climate change is a growing threat to Africa's green tea industry, with rising temperatures having a negative impact on tea quality and production.
According to recent studies, the average temperature in Kenya's tea-growing regions has increased by 0.16°C per decade over the past 50 years, with similar trends observed in other African tea-producing countries.
These rising temperatures are causing tea plants to grow faster, resulting in tea leaves with a lower concentration of nutrients and a more bitter taste. Additionally, higher temperatures increase the risk of pests and diseases, which can damage tea plants and reduce yields.
In 2025, several green tea-producing regions in Kenya and Tanzania experienced significant yield losses, ranging from 5% to 30%, due to high temperatures and drought. Climate change is also altering rainfall patterns, with some regions experiencing more frequent droughts and others facing increased flooding, both of which can damage tea plantations and disrupt production. The impact of climate change on Africa's green tea industry is a growing concern, and farmers and policymakers are increasingly looking for ways to adapt to these changes.
