From Beans to Benzes: How Coffee is brewing prosperity in Mbinga

SONGEA: IF you have ever been to Mbinga District that cool and fertile land, something extraordinary is percolating and no, it’s not just the smell of freshly brewed coffee.

It’s prosperity. For the residents of Hagati Valley in Ilela Village, Mikaranga Ward, the transformation has been so dramatic, some might say their fortunes have gone from beans to Benzes.

Here in Tanzania, where agriculture is often viewed as a hard slog, the villagers of Mikaranga are flipping the script, and they have got the receipts. We are talking modern homes, shiny new cars, and livelihoods that no longer depend on guesswork or outdated tools.

And at the center of this agricultural renaissance? A healthy dose of political will, good policies, and Tanzania’s very own Head of State, President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan.

During a recent visit, Mr. Hemed Challe, a member of the CCM National Executive Council (NEC) from Ruvuma Region, rolled into Mikaranga, not for a quick handshake and photo op, but to hear directly from the people. And the people, as it turns out, had quite a story to tell.

“Life has changed,” said Justine Mbonille-one resident. “We are no longer farming just to survive; we are farming to thrive.” Another added, “Even the boda boda drivers are asking us for advice on investment now.” It is no exaggeration.

The numbers tell the story: Coffee, the region’s golden bean, has seen explosive growth. According to data from the Ruvuma Regional Government, farmers in Mbinga produced 20,000 tonnes of coffee in the 2023/2024 season, up from 12,000 tonnes just three years ago.

That’s a 66 per cent jump in production, with much of the success credited to the Mbinga District Cooperative Union (MBIFACU), which has worked closely with local farmers to improve yields.

But the beans do not fertilize themselves. This turnaround did not happen by magic. It is the result of strategic policy decisions and well-timed government support.

President Samia’s administration has implemented the CCM party manifesto with a boots-onthe-ground approach, quite literally, by pumping resources into the sector that employs over 64 per cent of Tanzanians: agriculture.

From 2021 to 2024, the government issued fertilizer loans worth 11bn/- to coffee farmers, alongside an additional 10.6bn/- delivered through Primary Cooperative Societies (AMCOS).

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That is not pocket change, it is a serious investment in people who have long been overlooked. But the plan didn’t stop at loans.

The Ministry of Agriculture, under Minister Hussein Bashe, has been clearing roadblocks in the farming sector faster than a bodaboda in downtown Dar.

The ministry has promoted mass production of high-quality seeds, expanded timely access to subsidised fertilizer, and worked tirelessly to modernize farming across the board. In fact, so committed is the government to growing green thumbs, the agricultural budget just keeps blooming.

On May 3, 2024, Parliament passed a budget of 1.249tr/- for the 2024/2025 fiscal year- a new record for the ministry. That’s right, trillion with a “T.” Standing before the crowd in Mikaranga, Mr Challe was equal parts proud uncle and seasoned politician. “You have chosen wisely,” he told the villagers.

“When you vote CCM, you vote for development. And just look around, the results speak for themselves.” Of course, it was not all beancounting and applause. With the 2025 General Election inching closer, Mr Challe also reminded party members to stay engaged and united. “When it is time, come forward and collect your nomination forms,” he urged.

“And let us give President Samia the votes she deserves. But remember, primary elections should not divide us. No breaking of bonds or cutting of ties over internal votes, please!” With political enthusiasm as high as coffee prices, the NEC member pivoted to another pressing topic: party membership dues. “The party lives through its members,” he said.

“So, if you haven’t paid your fees, now is the time to do your part. And kudos to those who already have, for you are the real MVPs of democracy.” After wrapping up his visit to Mikaranga, Mr Challe did not call it a day.

His tour continued through Mbuji Ward, where he gave the same rallying cry for party solidarity, and then on to the Mbinga urban council, checking in with residents in Utiri and Matarawe.