The impact of coffee post -harvest processing on Environmental Degradation. A case of Coproca coffee washing station in Kanjongo sector: 2022-2024.

This study sought to examine the impact of Coffee post harvesting processing on Environmental degradation. A case study of Coproca Washing Station in Kanjongo Sector during the period of 2022-2024”. The study was directed by the following goals such as to assess the coffee post harvesting processes in Kanjongo sector.to analyze the environmental degradation in coffee growing region of Kanjongo sector, and also to determine the extent at which coffee post harvesting processes have influenced the environmental degradation.Through a mixedmethods approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data from a sample size of 385 respondents, the research assesses the effectiveness of environmental practices adopted by the CWS and contrasts these with local perceptions. The quantitative data was collected through surveys, while qualitative insights were gathered through interviews and focus groups The local community perceives coffee processing as having a negative effect on the environment, particularly with regards to water quality and resource depletion thus, the findings revealed that the majority of respondents (54.55%) use wet processing, followed by dry processing (33.77, The majority of respondents (62.34%) report using between 50 and 200 liters of water per kilogram of coffee, with a significant portion (16.88%) using over 200 liters. High water usage in wet processing can have serious environmental consequences, particularly in areas with water scarcity or poor waste management systems.The average response is 3.39, meaning that, on average, people perceive the environmental degradation due to coffee processing to be between "Moderately Serious" and "Serious" .While the local community remains concerned about the environmental impact of coffee processing, especially regarding water contamination, the data suggests that the measures put in place by Coproca CWS are effective in reducing pollution and improving environmental conditions The study concludes with recommendations for sustainable post-harvesting practices and community-based interventions aimed at mitigating the negative environmental effects of coffee processing. The research highlights the importance of integrating local knowledge with scientific data to formulate effective environmental management strategies in coffee-producing areas.