Published: 2 hours ago

Zimbabwe's coffee sector is showing signs of recovery after export earnings surged by 59 percent to US$1 million last year from US$600 000 in 2022, driven largely by increased participation from smallholder farmers and growing demand for high-quality coffee exports.

According to figures released by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency, the volume of coffee exports rose by 33 percent to 158 483 kilogrammes from 119 452 kilogrammes over the same period.

However, the average export price declined by 13 percent to US$4.61 per kilogramme from US$5.33.

Zimbabwe exports a range of coffee products, including unroasted and non-decaffeinated coffee, roasted coffee, coffee husks and skins, as well as coffee substitutes containing coffee.

The recovery comes as Zimbabwean producers intensify efforts to comply with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which came into effect for exporters targeting the EU market in January 2024.

The regulation prohibits the importation of products linked to deforestation and affects commodities such as coffee, tea, soyabean, palm oil and beef.

Under the new framework, exporters are required to conduct due diligence processes, including providing geolocation data identifying where products are produced.

Zimbabwean producers may face challenges meeting the requirements if they use packaging materials or agricultural inputs linked to unsustainable practices.

The Horticultural Development Council (HDC) said it had intensified efforts to map coffee-growing areas to improve traceability and maintain access to European markets.

"Our teams are braving fog and rough terrain to get every Zimbabwean coffee grower on the map. Traceability is key to supporting better incomes and stronger exports," the HDC said.

The council said smallholder farmers are now central to the sector's recovery and future expansion.

"Now driven by smallholder farmers, the sector faces EU rules on deforestation prevention where compliance is a key requirement for market access," the HDC added.

The HDC said it expects coffee hectarage to expand to 5 000 hectares by 2050 from the current estimated 700 hectares, citing growing interest among smallholder farmers.

"Interest in coffee is growing, with an estimated 2 000 farmers engaged in or planning coffee production; however, the sector needs long-term financing, inputs and equipment, especially irrigation, to sustain its recovery," the council said.

In 2024, smallholder farmers contributed around 50 tonnes of coffee production, while large-scale estates produced approximately 250 tonnes.

The HDC is supporting growers through its "Hub and Spoke" model, which links smallholder farmers with larger producers to improve quality, aggregation and market access.

Last year, the council estimated that about 1 300 active smallholder farmers were cultivating nearly 470 hectares of coffee, although roughly half the planted area is still immature and not yet producing beans.

The HDC forecasts production could rise to around 400 tonnes by 2026 as planting increases and support for farmers improves.

Michael Jenrich, president of the Coffee Growers Association of Zimbabwe, said coffee production required patience and long-term investment.

"Coffee is a complex and labour-intensive high-value and high-margin crop, which is mostly produced by smallholder farmers. It suits well with the HDC's ‘Hub and Spoke' model where smallholder farmers can be aggregated and/or paired with larger producers for tradeable quantities and quality," he said.
- The Herald

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