By Edith Fortunate The Standard February 26, 2008 Stung by persistent cries of unfair trade practices from developing countries, international coffee buyers and roasters are moving to buy the crop from farmers. However, they will have to provide farmers with skills and equipment to ensure quality, according to the East African Fine Coffees Association (EAFCA), which has struck a deal with international buyers like Starbucks and Neumann Group. EAFCA, a regional non-profit association made up of Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) countries, believes farmers will enjoy better revenue if middlemen are reduced and producers export value added coffee. "The aim is to help member countries develop quality specialty coffees, train and link them to the buyers after it is packed ready for consumption," said Mr Philip Gitao, EAFCA executive director. This relationship, he said, has yielded strong partnerships, including the agreements with some of the international bu...