Coffee Production Challenges and Opportunities in Tanzania: The Case Study of Coffee Farmers in Iwindi, Msia and Lwati Villages in Mbeya Region

Abstract

Coffee is one of the most popular cash crops grown in Tanzania. However, its productivity has remained low due to various biotic, abiotic and socio-economic factors prevailing in Mbeya Region. These production challenges have never been properly and intensively documented for better decision making. Therefore, this study was set to assess and provide a better understanding of the current production situation and available technologies and practices for enhancing coffee production in the region.
 The research was carried out in Iwindi, Msia and Lwati villages located in Mbeya Region. Two sources of data were used; (a) primary data collected through focus group discussion; and (b) secondary data collected through a systematic and intensive process that involved searching and collecting relevant publications.
 From the research, farmers were found to grow very old trees that were more than 20 years. The soils were found to have low levels of nutrients and organic matter. Soils are also acidic, a pH below 5.5. High prevalence of pests such as coffee berry and stem borers and diseases like coffee leaf rust, Fusarium spp., bacterial blight, and red blister were reported in the region. Poor agronomic practices involving intensive intercropping of coffee with trees, other food crops like banana, beans and using generally low tree densities per hectare was observed. Poor extension services due to unbalanced extension agent to farmer ratio (about 1:1800) were found to be one of the causes for poor adoption of best coffee agronomy. Lack of market information and low coffee prices were found to demoralize farmers as it leads to a low return on investment. When asked about their ‘priority training and input support requirements’, all farmers mentioned best coffee agronomy and fertilizer use training. They also mentioned fertilizers (especially Urea or Yara Mila Java blend products) and pesticides (for berry borer, stem borer, Coffee berry disease, and coffee leaf rust) inputs as key for better yields. All these inputs and training require money and service provider. Bundling of training and inputs together could make it easier for any service provider to help farmers increase their yields.

Dynamics of Coffee Certifications in Producer Countries: Re-Examining the Tanzanian Status, Challenges and Impacts on Livelihoods and Environmental Conservation

“…CBD has been affecting coffee farmers for quite a long time. Similarly, the study by Otieno, Alwenge [39] identified CBD as being one of the key diseases affecting coffee farmers in Tanzania. Some coffee farmers reported non-availability of organic agricultural inputs to support them once they are certified.…”

Superior Management Support and Coffee Introduction Technology on Operational Performance CCT Company

“…There are several factors that can affect operational performance for a complete display of the company's performance for a certain period of time. Factors that can affect the company's operational performance including superior management support, consumer focus, process control to operational performance Hadli, (2017), and coffee introduction technology factors in operational performance based on the phenomenon of research problems and support from previous researchers Otieno, et al [8]. Each of these factors can affect operational performance directly and for top management support variables are first moderated by the coffee introduction technology variable.…”

“…Coffee introduction technology is an integrated system in coffee farming related to the coffee plant fertilization system, shade, pruning, harvesting methods, post-harvest processing and ways of dealing with pests and diseases of coffee plants [7]. Otieno, et al [8], stated that coffee farming has a big impact on socio-economic life and the environment. Therefore, the application of science and technology is very important because global farmers and producers have many difficulties in controlling prices and crops, which are greatly affected by climate change.…”

“…Conducting counseling to farming business members about coffee introduction technology [8] Provide post-harvest technology to ensure the quality of coffee production [8] Apply coffee introduced technology to control pets and diseases [8] Information Technology…”

“…With technology, farmers around the world can share planting experiences, recommend suitable products, update information and even trade good quality coffee products [9]. Meanwhile, coffee farming has a major impact on socio-economic life and the environment, therefore the application of science and technology is very important because global farmers and producers have many difficulties in controlling prices and crops, which are influenced by climate change [8].…”