The Tanzania Coffee Research Institute (TaCRI) is running a special programme aimed at empowering coffee farmers to adopt recommended agronomic practices for commercial coffee production. This robust initiative has already started yielding positive results for many coffee growers. TaCRI’s agricultural experts are providing farmers with diverse strategies to enhance production, productivity and quality.
The programme emerged from research revealing that over 40 per cent of Tanzanian coffee farmers are still using traditional varieties that are vulnerable to coffee diseases. To improve farmer performance, TaCRI’s Farm Manager, Melchior Tesha, explained that they are encouraging coffee growers to embrace effective farming practices.
“Among the recommended practices are intercropping—such as coffee and banana intercropping— shade trees, soil and water conservation, integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) and integrated pest management (IPM),” he said.
Additionally, the programme provides training on crop management skills including pruning, canopy management and spacing. Mr Tesha noted that, according to professional coffee cultivation standards, a coffee plant should produce a total of 38 primary branches, with a plant population of at least 500 to 1,000 per acre.
Tesha highlighted the benefits of certain trees, such as Albizia and Cordia Africana. These trees not only provide shade for coffee plants but also help retain soil moisture.
“These trees have multiple benefits,” he said.
“They support healthy coffee growth and also provide economic advantages by supplying animal feed, timber and firewood.”
The intercropping techniques foster a favorable microclimate that supports both coffee production and biodiversity. By adhering to these agronomic practices, farmers can significantly increase their production and economic returns from coffee cultivation.
An economist at TaCRI, Leonard Kiwelu, added that the programme also focuses on training farmers in effective Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques. IPM is a recommended approach for managing pest problems while minimising risks to people and the environment.
“Many coffee farmers have experienced substantial losses due to poor postharvest management,” Kiwelu said.
“Through this programme, we are equipping them with proper practices to reduce losses during harvesting, drying, processing and storage.”